Elizabeth Fish

Lincoln Cathedral is set to benefit from a slice of £20 million in government funding for cathedral repairs.

Announced in the 2014 budget on March 19, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osbourne allocated £20 million for work to cathedral buildings.

Originally, there was only limited support for religious buildings through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, but is not available for cathedrals.

This meant that Lincoln Cathedral did a lot of its own fundraising with the help of donors and trusts in order to carry out essential repair works to the iconic landmark.

The Dean of Lincoln, the Very Reverend Philip Buckler, welcomed the news, but he was also cautious.

He said: “I welcome the Chancellor’s announcement as a recognition of the considerable contribution made by our cathedrals not only to the spiritual life of the nation but also to the social and economic wellbeing of the communities in which they are set.

“But this will not solve all our problems, and we must continue to seek the support of all who love and value our great Cathedral here in Lincoln.”

Lincoln Cathedral spends at least £1.6 million a year on repair work to the building.

Lincoln is also the only cathedral on English Heritage’s “At Risk” register, and will remain so if it cannot keep up with maintenance.

In recent years, the cathedral received support from English Heritage of £250,000 towards these repairs, but English Heritage has since lost the grant.

The cathedral is also working on a £12 million revamp project.

A graphic designer working in Lincoln has won an award for the most creative apprentice in Lincolnshire.

Lincolnshire & Rutland Employment and Skills Board gave the award to James Berridge (19), a junior graphic designer at Ideafuel Creative, at a special event in Skegness.

The event was part of National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrated the work of apprentices and their value to the economy.

Over 400 people attended the event at Butlins, with 20 finalists in seven awards categories.

James Berridge said: “There were a lot of very strong contenders at the awards, so to win the award is absolutely fantastic.

“I am very grateful to Carol and Shaun at Ideafuel for spotting the potential in me, enabling me to join the team through the apprenticeship scheme.

“I think a key part of the reason I won was the opportunities I’ve had, which I believe I simply wouldn’t have had anywhere else.

“I’ve already amassed a portfolio of design work on a range of household name brands as a result of being on an apprenticeship scheme.

“This has given me a great platform for a career as a graphic designer.”

James started an apprenticeship instead of going to university when he left school, having done work experience already at Ideafuel.

Since starting his apprenticeship, he’s worked with clients such as Alstom, Jewson and Lincolnshire solar power specialist, Freewatt.

Ideafuel owner, Carol Pass, said: “James impressed us during his work placement, so it was a very easy decision to make when he approached us about becoming a junior graphic designer. The apprenticeship scheme made that possible.

“He is a very talented designer, and this has helped him quickly establish himself as part of the team. His work just keeps getting better.

“We’re all really proud that James has done so well, and the award is no more than he deserves.”