2011 marked a major step forward for the Newport Cathedral appeal, now 2012 marks the next stage to fully realising the dream of restoring the landmark.

After five years of fundraising, which has brought in more than £1 million, this year saw the scaffolding go up and contractors get to work on repairing and restoring the north end of the roof and installing new lighting.

This stage of the work cost £500,000 and accounted for all the cash parishioners, fundraisers and the Cathedral Appeal had amassed.

With work on one part of the roof, along with lighting and re-tiling the central knave, taking priority in the first phase, the priority now is for cathedral bosses to raise the next £500,000 to finish the job on the remaining parts of the roof.

Along with its fundraisers, which will be organised throughout the year, funding for the restoration work comes from grant bodies such as CADW, as well as donations from parishioners, which have topped £42,000 since the launch of the appeal.

Honourary Priest Vicar of Newport Cathedral, Mark Soady, said: "We're hopeful that with the Olympics all funded, some Heritage Lottery money might come our way.

"Hopefully, they will see we've done the first half and be more inclined to grant money, we're optimistic the second half can be done more quickly than the first."

When the appeal was launched in July 2006, a ten-year timetable was set out to raise the money needed for all the necessary work.

As fundraising continues, money in the coffers was spent on ongoing emergency works throughout the cathedral, parts of which date back to the 12th century.

Around £2.5 million is needed to complete the project, which includes restoring stained glass windows, stonework and flooring.

To donate, call 01633 215116 or visit www.newportcathedral.com