Cathedral building works to start

The new building as it would be seen from the cathedral garden

Building work to improve facilities at Norwich's Roman Catholic cathedral is expected to start soon.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia hopes to complete work on St John's Cathedral in Norwich in time for the church's centenary in 2010.

The early 20th Century church became a cathedral in 1976.

Cathedral Dean Father James Walsh said fundraising success means construction of an arts and music venue can begin, along with work on a new entrance.

Education and visitor facilities will also be built.

"We are having to raise the largest amount of money for the biggest project undertaken since building work began in 1894," he said.