St Paul's print draws attention

Many British monarchs have walked through the great West Doors

A huge drawing of St Paul's Cathedral has been put up to cover scaffolding while the famous landmark is restored.

A giant weather-proof print of a 1927 architectural drawing of the cathedral's West Front will be used to screen the cathedral for the next nine months.

The cathedral says that at 62 by 32 yards (57 metres by 30), it is one of the largest prints ever seen in London.

Cleaning and repair work is being undertaken at the site in the City of London as part of a £40m restoration scheme.

The work is being carried out in time for 2008 when it will be 300 years since the final stone was laid, in the presence of the architect Sir Christopher Wren.

The first phase was completed in February 2002 when work on the south transept stripped away centuries of dirt to reveal the natural cream colour of the walls' Portland stone.

Work on the West Front, which includes rebuilding the West Steps, has been funded by a £5m donation from the late philanthropist billionaire Sir Paul Getty.

Dean of St Paul's, the Very Rev Dr John Moses, said: "For the millions of people from all over the world who visit the cathedral, the West Front is by far the most visible aspect.

"Its cleaning and restoration represent an important step forward in our comprehensive programme of restoration and development."