SHAREHOLDERS are being urged to back a £3m appeal to ensure the fabric of England's oldest cathedral is well maintained.

Ripon Cathedral, founded in 672 by the first Bishop of Ripon, St Wilfrid, is targeting shareholders to boost the restoration campaign.

Rory Wardroper, the campaign director, says donated shares can be offset against tax.

The cathedral will shortly spend £400,000 to replace slate roofs on its central tower and nave.

Rewiring and re-lighting the building will cost £200,000, replacing the heating system a similar amount, renewing floodlighting £50,000 and restoring the Saxon crypt will cost £30,000.

Dean of Ripon, the Very Reverend John Methuen, said: "This is an exciting time for us and one in which every supporter of the cathedral, its mission and work can share.

"We are continually repairing the fabric, developing our music and introducing innovative ideas.

"The development campaign will raise funds for us to achieve our objectives in these fields so we can serve our community more effectively."

Ripon Cathedral Development Campaign can be contacted at East Wing House, Minster Road, Ripon. Telephone (01765) 603583.