The drop from ceiling to floor is 80 feet

Businessman Peter Boizot donated the sum to the cathedral's Music Endowment Fund to secure its musical tradition.

Dean of the Cathedral, the Rev Michael Bunker said: "It is going to help us sustain the musical life of the cathedral in a very significant way."

Mr Boizot becomes first Commander of the Company of St Peter an organisation which helps preserve the building.

A brass plaque will also be placed in the choir stall where the local businessman sat as a chorister.