Climbers to cover Notre Dame roof

The man in charge of the restoration of the fire-ravaged Notre Dame cathedral has appointed professional mountain climbers to install temporary tarpaulins over the building to offset potential rain damage.

With showers set to hit the French capital this week, the architect-inchief said he had to rush the installation of the protective covers.

Philippe Villeneuve said: “The highest priority is to protect the cathedral from the rain to come.” He said the installation was starting on Tuesday.

Notre Dame is not expected to reopen to the public for five or six years.