A STONEMASON at Salisbury Cathedral has won the Improver Mason category in the prestigious Duke of Gloucester Awards 2009, sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Masons.

Alan Spittle is part of a highly specialist team working on the cathedral’s long-term major repair programme which aims to preserve and conserve the 750 year old building for generations to come.

The award recognises the “continuing improvement in all aspects of the craft of stonemasonry by newly qualified masons and aims to encourage more masons to seek ways of enhancing their work”.

Alan received his award from the Duke of Gloucester at Mercers Hall in the City of London.

He said: “It is a great honour to have won this prestigious award. Since gaining my NVQ and working at the cathedral, it’s been a steep learning curve. I have been fortunate enough to work alongside some very fine masons who have imparted their wealth of experience and knowledge to me.”

Peter Edds, head of buildings and estate at Salisbury Cathedral, where ten full time masons and one apprentice mason work, said: “Alan contacted us whilst he was doing a one year masonry course at The Building Crafts College in London, to ask if he could come here for a week’s work experience. He was so good we offered him a job. We recognised his huge potential and how right we were. He has drive, enthusiasm, massive talent and takes his job very seriously; this award recognises all Alan’s hard work.”