Grants of more than £3m to help guarantee the survival of England's great cathedrals into the next millennium have been announced.

Sir Jocelyn Stevens, chairman of English Heritage, set out details of the aid package which will provide essential funds to 29 cathedrals over the next year.

He also revealed plans for a survey to find out the priorities for conserving England's 51 great cathedrals for the next thousand years when he announced the grants at St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire.

St Albans, which boasts medieval wall paintings and 13th century timber vaults, has recently undergone its own restoration programme.

Launched in 1991, the English Heritage Cathedral Grants Scheme has already provided almost £30m in grants.

"For almost a thousand years, cathedrals have acted as the nation's spiritual treasure houses," Sir Jocelyn said.

"Soaring above our towns and cities, these magnificent buildings remain loved and cherished landmarks and encapsulate the very best of human endeavour.

"In short, they are our most precious architectural heritage."

He added: "We have saved the external structure of many of our cathedrals, but there is much more to do and we are keenly aware that there is much to be done to their magnificent interiors and to the works of art, the sculpture, monuments and stained glass, before visitors and congregation alike will once again be inspired by their splendour."

Sir Jocelyn said many of the grants would go to making the buildings wind and weather tight.

"Roofs, gutters and drains do not sound glamorous or make ideal appeal material, but if they do not function properly, then the building and, of course, the uses within it, are at risk."