THE Earl of Wessex is now the Royal Patron of the Winchester Cathedral capital appeal.

The Cathedral is seeking £5million to transform the experience of visitors through much-needed expert conservation and repair of the church fabric.

It also wants to create three new exhibitions called Kings and Scribes – The Birth of a Nation giving better access to its treasures, and a refurbished and extended Learning Centre.

The Dean, The Very Revd James Atwell, said: “I am delighted that the Earl of Wessex has agreed to be the Royal Patron of the appeal. He has already visited and demonstrated a keen interest. His support will bring encouragement and renewed energy. Prince Edward’s Patronage marvellously identifies Winchester’s royal associations with the House of Wessex and the birth of our nation.”

Dame Mary Fagan, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and chairman of the appeal said: “The patronage of the Earl of Wessex affirms once again the restoration and development plans for the cathedral, so recently endorsed by the Heritage Lottery Fund through their £10.5 million grant earlier this year.”

A royal spokesman said: “The Earl of Wessex is very pleased to become patron. Winchester Cathedral has been witness to extraordinary events, stretching back well beyond Norman times and its stones and timbers are still witnessing events today. So long as we look after them and help them to weather the storms, they should continue to do so for many, many years to come.”

In July, the cathedral was awarded £10.5 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

With over £4 million raised in donations and pledges from trusts and private donors, the Appeal is now seeking the final £5 million it needs to bring its plans to fruition. Preparatory work is already underway on many of the projects and work will begin on site early in 2014.