AN APPEAL to restore Bradford Cathedral's historic organ is nearing its halfway mark.

In two years donations, grants and pledges have piled £120,000 in the coffers and seen the first phase of the restoration work completed, said Alex Woodrow, the cathedral's director of music.

A new console has now been fitted but there is still another four phases to get through before it is finally finished ahead of the Cathedral's centenary celebrations in 2019.

To get to the £250,000 target, fundraising is continuous with people also being invited to sponsor one of the Edwardian organ's pipes in return for a certificate and giving the public the chance to buy a 70-minute CD of organ performances with all proceeds going to the appeal.

Mr Woodrow said: "We are happy the momentum is still going and having completed the first phase to spruce up the console both our resident organists and recitalist are delighted with it, it rivals any cathedral instrument now.

"The organ is fully functional and working, it's being restored to enhance it. It can be heard at services and our Wednesday lunchtime recitals."

He added: "Bradford Parish Church became a cathedral in 1919 so it will be the centenary of that elevation in 2019. There will be all sorts of festivities for that year. We are keen to have the restoration fully completed by then so we can open the celebrations with a bang."

Another chance coming up soon to hear the organ is on Friday, March 13, at 7pm when the cathedral's assistant director of music Jonathan Eyre will improvise the background music to silent film The Black Pirate.

The series of silent movie money-makers for the appeal is now in its fourth season and can raise up to £500 each time. Tickets cost £8 on the night.

"I watch the film once before the day and then on the day itself I just make it up. It's a lost art" said Mr Eyre, 33, who has just been awarded a Fellowship from the Royal College of Organists, the highest diploma and widely recognised accolade for organists in England.

Adding his age to Mr Woodrow's 28 years, they are youngest cathedral musical directorship team in Britain.

In 2012 then 15-year-old Bradford Grammar School pupil Henry Websdale became the youngest cathedral organ scholar in the country to have been awarded a Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music and was also awarded the Associateship of the Royal College of Organists.

To find out more about making a donation call Mr Woodrow on 01274 777720 or email alex.woodrow@bradfordcathedral.org.