NOTRE Dame is a much loved building by visitors across the world, a local Bishop has said.

The Bishop of St Asaph, Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, said many people have been aghast by its near destruction following the fire.

He added: "The Cathedral of Our Lady (Notre Dame) in Paris has been for centuries the focus of Christian life in France, and is much loved by visitors across the world. Many of us are therefore aghast by its near destruction by fire.

"Nevertheless, our God is a God of Resurrection and hope, and we must believe that it is possible to rebuild and rededicate this building.

"Already it is clear that the guardians of Notre Dame will have the help of the French Government and the help of the world in that aspiration."

The Leader has previously reported that hundreds of millions of euros have been pledged to rebuild the Notre Dame Cathedral

Nearly 400 firefighters tackled the blaze, battling to stop it completely destroying the treasured facade after flames torched the roof, sending its spire crashing to the ground.

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to rebuild the historic building, and more than 600 million euros (£520 million) has been pledged already.

The Bishop of St Asaph said: "The fire perhaps challenges us all to ask whether we take for granted some of the ancient and significant places of prayer among which we live, almost without noticing, in Wales, and which bear witness to the same God of new life."