A Christmas appeal has been launched to help save the roof of the city's most famous building.

Brighton and Hove Museums is calling for donations to repair and preserve one of the 'at risk' domes on the iconic roof of the Royal Pavilion this Christmas.

Work began on restoring one of the “onions” on the roof of the Pavilion after decay was found during the summer.

There was an "amazing" response from the public following an urgent appeal in August to raise the vital cash to repair the dome as it was in immediate risk of collapse.

Supporters donated just under £30K in just three days. Now work has started, the charity has been told the extent of the wood rot is much worse than initially anticipated and will cost significantly more to restore properly.

They have now decided to reopen the appeal to ask people to help raise an additional £50k towards the conservation work to help save the iconic skyline this Christmas. With the winter weather coming, there is now a “huge” need for the work to be completed soon.

The circled dome is at risk The circled dome is at risk (Image: Brighton & Hove Museums) CEO of Brighton and Hove Museums Hedley Swain said: “We were so overwhelmed by the public’s response in the summer when we asked for donations. Unfortunately, as is often the way with building work, the damage is so much worse than we imagined.

“As the weather gets worse, we are up against time to get it repaired and although it is very hard for us to come back again to ask for help, we have to. We would be so grateful if anyone can contribute to our fund online and I can say that their help will contribute to the building looking fantastic for many years to come."

Running costs for heritage venues are an ongoing concern for operators across the UK and beyond, especially with rising costs for electricity, supplies and repairs.

It costs around £900,000 a year to look after the 200-year-old Royal Pavilion, without the addition of repairs, renovations and upgrading.