A mammoth campaign to raise £6.4 million to secure the long-term future of St Albans Abbey was officially launched on Friday.

Predicted to last some three years, fundraisers are gearing up for a Herculean effort to raise money for the abbey's buildings, music and educational facilities.

Campaigners hope to attract the support of local businesses, charitable organisations and residents during the appeal.

And in an innovative move, they will reward the city's ten biggest benefactors with an original piece of music written by distinguished composer Howard Goodall.

[Posted online on Watford Observer website October 17, 2001]

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