Image: Coventry's former Cathedral of St Michael, UK

American Express and the World Monuments Fund (WMF) have announced that US$1m (EUR778,000, £623,000) has been awarded towards the preservation of six 'at-risk' sites.

The funding is the first part of a US$5m (EUR3.9m, £3.1m), five-year programme that will support historic properties around the world on the 2012 World Monuments Watch list.

Among the sites to benefit are the ruins of Coventry's former Cathedral of St Michael, UK, and the Canterbury Provincial Government buildings in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Ed Gilligan, vice chair of American Express, said: "These places serve to unite communities, and we are proud to play a role in ensuring that they continue to be enjoyed far into the future."

Details: www.wmf.org

Image: Andrew Walker