WINCHESTER Cathedral bosses have received a massive cash boost in their bid to raise £19m to regenerate the historic building.

The Heritage Lottery Fund confirmed today it had awarded the project £10.5m meaning work can start in the next two months.

The money will help pay for the restoration of leaky presbytery roof, 16th century wooden vaulting and surviving medieval stained glass windows; refurbishing the Education Centre; renewing the sound system, wiring and lighting, which alone will cost around £2m.

The cathedral aims to launch three exhibitions, including Kings and Scribes – The Birth of a Nation which will unveil the bones of Anglo- Saxon and early medieval kings kept in wooden chests for 1,000 years.

It is hoped that a serious research project can be carried out into the bones, including those of Cnut and William Rufus, with DNA analysis.

Other exhibitions will relocate the Winchester Bible to the ground floor and give an architectural history of the building under the title Decoding the Stones.

The cathedral is still raising money to make up the other £9m of its fundraising appeal through events such as the Winchester Dialogues, a series of interviews with high-profile figures including former Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd and current Culture Secretary and Basingstoke MP Maria Miller.

Repairs are expected to start in the autumn while work on the exhibitions will begin shortly afterwards.

Receiver general Annabelle Boyes said: “Last year I was able to say that I was delighted that we were in a position where we could realistically look forward to the day when we could fulfil some long-held aspirations for repairs, conservation and the significant enhancement of what we offer our visitors.

“Today I am delighted to be able to say that work can commence, thanks to this significant contribution from the Heritage Lottery Fund.”

The Very Rev James Atwell, Dean of Winchester, added: “Winchester Cathedral has significance beyond the ordinary and needs to tell its story effectively in the 21st century and offer an exceptional experience to visitors and worshippers alike.

“The cathedral has always been about community and this award will increase our ability to reach out, welcome and serve the wellbeing of a new generation.”

Stuart McLeod, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East, added: “Winchester Cathedral is one of the UK’s most important cathedrals having weathered the test of time for over 900 years.

“A five-year programme of urgent conservation work will ensure this precious site is protected for the future.”