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YOUNG WEST STONEMASON WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Wells Cathedral Stonemasons‘ former apprentice wins at London awards ceremony

Martin Smith, of Cheddar-based Wells Cathedral Stonemasons, is the joint- winner of the 2007 Duke of Gloucester Award, one of the annual “Oscars” for stonemasons, administered by the Worshipful Company of Masons.

The winners were announced at an awards lunch at London‘s Mansion House.

Having joined Wells Cathedral Stonemasons as an apprentice at the age of 16, Martin, aged 23, helped the company win last year‘s Natural Stone Craft Award for their restoration of an important bridge in London‘s Regents Park and intricate stone tracery for St Saviours Church in Dulwich.

He is currently working on the restoration contract for Salisbury Cathedral.

The Duke of Gloucester Award is presented to the stonemason having made the greatest improvement in their craftsmanship within five years of qualifying.

Peter Arkell, Managing Director of Wells Cathedral Stonemasons, said:  “We are all very proud of Martin‘s achievements, and congratulate him on winning this prestigious award.”

ENDS             22nd October 2007

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