Cathedral lit up after donation

The spire will stay illuminated until 0130 BST

Salisbury Cathedral is being lit up later at night during 2008 to mark the 750th anniversary of its consecration.

An anonymous donation has paid for the new lighting system, described by cathedral staff as "state-of-the-art".

The donor said: "Salisbury Cathedral is one of this country's greatest buildings. The spire itself is an architectural masterpiece."

The cathedral will stay flood-lit until 2330 BST, with the tower and spire illuminated until 0130 BST.

The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Revd June Osborne, said: "We are thrilled to be able to illuminate the cathedral for longer into the evening sky.

"Residents of Salisbury and travellers on the road take inspiration and solace from the sight of the cathedral."