Scaffolding has now been removed from St Paul’s Cathedral in London, revealing the results of an extensive, £5m cleaning and repair programme of the west front.

Refurbishment of the west front, which faces the top of Ludgate Hill, was made possible by Sir Paul Getty, who met the entire cost.

Work on the façade included stone cleaning and repair, re-carving eroded stones, re-gilding, the re-laying of the west steps and repairs to the clock face and bells.

It is part of an ongoing £40m renovation programme which has already seen work on the Dome Peristyle and east end completed. The interior should be fully restored by next summer, with the entire project due for completion in 2008 – the cathedral’s 300th anniversary. A further £9m must be raised in order to fund the work however.

At an official unveiling ceremony on 6 December, Sir Paul’s widow, Lady Getty, said; “Paul remembered St Paul’s from a boyhood visit to London with its west front looming in the fog above Ludgate Hill. He would be overjoyed to see it shining and clean again.”

The Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Reverend Dr John Moses, said: “St Paul’s is one of the world’s greatest buildings and it is hoped that those who see the cathedral every day will delight in what is now being achieved.” Details: www.stpauls.co.uk