One of Truro’s most valuable heritage sites has been given a crucial lifeline with a gift of almost £150,000.

Truro Cathedral has been awarded £146,900 after successfully applying to the government's Cultural Recovery Fund for Heritage, set up to help the country’s cultural gems survive the coronavirus pandemic.

It is being distributed by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support local and national treasures that have fallen on hard times due to the pandemic.

More than £67 million is now being shared out among 433 successful applicants from across England to help with key repair and maintenance work, and help sites operate and recover.

Read next: Helston Railway 'bowled over' after winning £76,000 to reopen branch line

Truro and Falmouth MP Cherilyn Mackrory said: “Our cathedral is such a major part of the heritage of Truro, an iconic sight in our city as well as a place of worship, and I am thrilled this money will help it weather the Covid storm and be therefore for future generations to enjoy.

“Not only can we learn so much and gain so much insight from our heritage, but it also provides jobs and a boost for the local economy in many ways.

“And as we get through this unprecedented pandemic, places like our cathedral and the tremendous work done there can undoubtedly play a part in our recovery."

It is the first round of funding from the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, which has also seen a dozen organisations including English Heritage, the National Trust and the Canal and River Trust share £34 million from the Heritage Stimulus Fund to preserve visitor attractions.