16 June 2011Last updated at 14:13

In pictures: Completing the restoration of St Paul's

A £40m cleaning and restoration project of St Paul's Cathedral in London has been completed after 15 years.

It is the first time in the Cathedral's history it has been comprehensively restored, both internally and externally.

A cherub on the north transept of St Paul's, before the restoration, showing the effects of centuries of pollution.

Another cherub after the restoration has been completed.

In addition to cleaning and repairing the exterior, the project also included landscaping the gardens, a new lift and disabled access facilities, a new education centre and the reconstruction of the west steps.

The completion of the work marks the first time in 15 years that St Paul's Cathedral has been free of scaffolding.

The completion of the work coincides with the 300th anniversary of the cathedral being declared complete by Parliament. A special service will be held on 21 June to celebrate the anniversary.

London

In pictures: Completing the restoration of St Paul's

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