Public to view 'unseen' St Paul's

The funding will pay for a new visitor centre

Rarely seen areas of St Paul's Cathedral could be opened up to the public courtesy of a new grant.

The central London landmark is to receive £250,000 from the World Monuments Fund and American Express to improve visitor displays and access.

The aim is to open closed off parts to visitors such as the Trophy Room, where Christopher Wren's original model for St Paul's is located.

The new funding will pay for an "exploration centre" in the crypt.

The centre will have interactive displays showing how architectural, historical, scientific and religious themes relate to the cathedral.

It is hoped it will reduce the impact of tourism on the church, such as foot traffic, abrasion and changes in humidity.