Nearly five and a half million pounds will be awarded to cathedrals across the UK as the government announced the final phase of a two-year programme on Monday.

Twenty-four Anglican and Catholic cathedrals will benefit from the grants totaling £5,423,000 for urgent repair work. Ely, Manchester, Southwark and Truro cathedrals were awarded £500,000 each as part of the wider First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund totalling £40million.

The vast majority of Monday's grants went to Church of England buildings with Catholic cathedrals taking about a fifth of the total.

Overrall 57 cathedrals have received an average of £274,000, with 12 cathedrals awarded more than £1 million each.

Second church estates commissioner, Caroline Spelman, said it was a "farsighted investment that will bring a return to cities across the country".

The funds will be used for urgent repair work to stained glass windows, stone pinnacles, and roofs as well as drainage and lighting.

Heritage minister Tracey Crouch said: "Cathedrals are not only beautiful pieces of architecture, they hold centuries of our nation's history and are centrepieces in our communities. This important fund will help maintain and repair these historic buildings so they can be enjoyed for years to come by everyone."

The CofE's 42 cathedrals bring around £220 million to the economy each year and welcome more than 11 million visitors annually.

Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester and lead bishop for the Church of England, said: "Cathedrals are not only the jewel in the crown of our built heritage, they are at the heart of our nation's common life – through commemoration, remembering, celebration and grief. People can find space and solace in them, both in large acts of worship and solitary contemplation. These welcome grants ensure that they continue to enrich our society in the future."