A HAMPSHIRE cathedral has been given a major cash boost to help fund essential repairs.

Portsmouth Cathedral will receive £594,783, the second highest of 31 grants to British cathedrals totalling £8m.

The money comes from the £20 million fund announced in the Budget to maintain cathedrals in recognition of the role they will play in First World War remembrance events.

Chancellor George Osborne said: ''Many Britons will have visited a cathedral this summer to attend a remembrance service marking the Great War, and this £8 million grant, part of £20 million I announced at the last Budget, will ensure that these beautiful and historic buildings remain much-loved places of worship and remembrance for another century to come.

''Our great cathedrals are the envy of the world, bringing many tourists to the cities of UK, so this investment is also great value for taxpayers.''

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: ''Our heritage in this country is precious and unique. We need to do all we can to protect it for future generations.''

A total of 41 places of worship have now been awarded grants from the fund.