CHURCHES across Gwent are rallying together to pledge solidarity with Notre Dame after it was engulfed in a massive fire.

Monday's fire may be linked to renovation work at one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, French media reported.

The fire both toppled the cathedral's ancient spire and has threatened the entire wooden frame of the site.

And, churches across the length and breadth of Gwent have come together to show their support for Notre Dame.

The Archbishop of Wales, John Davies, was the first to pledge his support, saying: "Church buildings, great or small, ancient or modern, are the family homes of the Christian faithful in which they are nourished by the sacraments of our faith and in which they hear the words of scripture illuminated.

"Having been a parish priest for 24 years, part of that time as a Cathedral Dean, I can scarcely imagine how the destruction of so much Notre Dame de Paris will impact on the soul of the people of both Paris and France and beyond. An icon of faith, a symbol of Christ’s love and presence among them has, in this most holy week of the Christian year, been fatally wounded.

"But 850 years of faith cannot be destroyed by one of earth’s elements, fire. In signalling my profound sorrow to my brothers and sisters of the community of Notre Dame, I express the hope that, from the ashes of this wonderful building, there will emerge a renewal of souls and a refreshed determination to proclaim the new life of the Gospel of the Risen Christ whilst mourning the loss of so much earthly treasure."

While in Abergavenny, Canon Mark Soady, who is the secretary of the Greater Churches Network and vicar of St Mary’s Priory, tolled the church's Priory Bell.

"While the church is the people not buildings we know how important church buildings are as a place to go at a time of joy and of loss," he said.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Paris who have lost their ‘go to place’ as a result of the devastating fire.

"I am sure that as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’s Resurrection on Easter Day so we l hope in the face of adversity

Photos and videos on social media also showed the roof of the 850-year-old Gothic building covered in flames, issuing a plume of smoke above the city.