The outline of the new spire on the Notre-Dame Cathedral has appeared on the Paris skyline as a key part of the reconstruction approaches completion.

Scaffolding still surrounds the spire which was destroyed in a fire that broke out in the medieval Roman Catholic cathedral in April 2019.

The authority overseeing the rebuilding said the oak structure of the spire, which reaches 315ft high, would be visible “before Christmas”.

It is identical to the previous one, designed by the 19th century architect Eugène Viollet-Le-Duc, which collapsed in the blaze.

The scaffolding will remain in place until early next year to allow for the installation of its casing and lead ornaments.

The cathedral is due to reopen on Dec 8, 2024, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, announced in August.

The frames of the nave and the choir of the cathedral, which were also destroyed, are due for completion next year, after which the construction of the roof can begin.

The final stages include cleaning the interior - an area that covers about 50,000 square yards - and installing new fixtures and fittings.