MORE people are paying to visit Winchester Cathedral, despite compulsory charges replacing voluntary contributions.

Around 10,000 more people paid to get into the historic place of worship this year - an increase of around nine per cent on last year.

Receiver General Adrian Munns said: "We're very grateful to the people who support us by buying tickets."

Adults pay £5 to visit the Cathedral during the day from Monday to Saturday, although entry for worshippers is free.

At Christmas 126,000 people visited the festive market and 35,000 used the temporary ice rink. Both attractions were a first for the cathedral and were seen as an investment. They were so popular that they will be brought back this year.

The Dean, the Very Rev James Atwell, said: "It's lovely to have that win/win situation where we've got something that puts the cathedral at the heart of the community at Christmas and also raises money for the cathedral too."

Mr Munns said the ice rink and Christmas market were just two of the contributing factors which had helped keep Winchester Cathedral in the black for the fourth year running.

The cathedral budgeted £2.1m for running costs last year but only spent £2m, making a saving of £100,000.

The budget for running costs for 2007/08 has been set at £2.2m, with rising gas, heating and lighting costs the only cause for concern.

Conservation work has progressed well this year as the £400,000 renovation of the east gable and south side nears completion.

Workers have already begun removal of the scaffolding erected for the five-year project and the rest is expected to be dismantled soon.