The congregation of Manchester Cathedral are meeting in a pop-up church until work on a new green heating scheme has been finished.

Contractors will be installing the system from 3 April, with work not expected to be completed before the end of November.

The existing under-floor heating system dates back to the 1950s but its deterioration over the years means the heating output is only 60 per cent what it should be.

Ground source heat pumps will replace the current system and use natural energy stored in the earth to heat and cool the cathedral, making it one of the greenest in the UK.

In the meantime, services and activities normally held in the cathedral will take place in a temporary wooden structure set up next to the cathedral building.

'Cathedral on the Street' has been erected outside the cathedral's West door on Victoria Street.

The Very Reverend Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester said: "Levels of heat are very important for both visitors and worshippers alike.

"The recent extremely cold winters have embarrassed the cathedral as temperatures were unacceptably low.

"We're incredibly pleased that we can carry out this work in a sustainable and responsible way, ensuring the cathedral is fit for future."