There is no question of Fallen Angels at St Albans Cathedral - in fact 500 of them have ascended above the quire in support of a public appeal.

The celestial beings have appeared as part of the Alban’s Angels appeal, launched at the Alban Pilgrimate attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury,

It has helped to raise over £30,000 to date to support the cathedral’s significant development project, Alban, Britain’s First Saint.

Individuals, schools, clubs, organisations and special guests, including Melvyn Bragg and Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, have signed up to the initiative and dedicated angels to friends and loved ones which can be seen by visitors on Angel Clouds above the quire.

The funds raised will help to transform the cathedral for future generations with a new welcome centre, learning centre and the telling of Alban’s story, along with improved facilities and access for visitors.

The Dean of St Albans Cathedral, the Very Rev Jeffrey John, said, ‘Thank you to everyone who has joined Alban’s Angels. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had, locally, nationally and even internationally, and visitors to the cathedral and our website have enjoyed seeing the clouds of angels as they have grown.

“To have reached our 500th Angel is outstanding. Your support will help us share the story of St Alban and St Albans Cathedral much more effectively in the future. Thank you.”

The Alban’s Angels appeal closes shortly but to support it and dedicate an angel go to www.albansangels.org until February 9 when the angel clouds will descend. The angels will be available for collection from the cathedral during March.

More details about fundraising efforts for Alban, Britain’s First Saint are continuing and further details can be found here.