A musical treasure could be lost to Lincoln if people do not respond to the Cathedral's rallying cry.

The world-renowned Hallé Orchestra is once again on its way to Lincoln thanks to work from cathedral staff.

But now the cathedral, which took on responsibility for running the concert last year, is likely to make a loss on the event.

Chief Executive of Lincoln Cathedral Roy Bentham said: "There is a danger that we would lose the Hallé series, which has been going for many decades.

"Spending cuts have meant the local authorities haven't been able to support the concert this year.

"The cathedral was determined it would not be lost to Lincoln and people responded to the request to buy tickets incredibly last year.

"We want to keep this series going which is very important for Lincoln and Lincolnshire and has been for many years."

The Hallé is Britain's longest established symphony orchestra and was founded in 1858.

Of the 1,200 tickets on sale, 200 still remain and the organisers are asking for people in the county to show their support and snap up the remaining seats.

After losing the backing of the City of Lincoln council the cathedral was offered support in its musical endeavour by Brewin Dolphin.

Rob Bradley, economic sustainability and tourism Services manager for the council, said: "As part of the review of Tourism, Marketing and Arts at the council, the decision was made to withdraw the budget for direct arts provision and increase the budget for the Drill Hall, which is the cultural priority for the council.

"This means that the council can no longer give financial support to the Hallé orchestra performance at the Cathedral."

For details on how to buy tickets, see Saturday's Echo.