STONEMASONS who have worked on Worcester Cathedral’s recently completed 23-year restoration programme have been shortlisted for an English Heritage award.

The stonemasons’ team consists of five masons specially skilled in the conservation of historic stone buildings, and two apprentices.

They have been nominated in the English Heritage Angel Awards, supported by Andrew Lloyd Webber, to be held in London on October 31.

Worcester Cathedral’s tower was in serious danger of collapse 23 years ago and despite its restoration in the interim, an ongoing programme of repair and conservation needs to be continued, with the help of the Cathedral’s stonemasons.

The current annual cost of such a programme is likely to average more than £250,000 a year for the next 10 years.

On Saturday, October 29, Voices Unlimited, otherwise known as The VU Sound, will perform live at the Cathedral to help raise both awareness and money for the conservation and repair programme. One of their songs has been specially commissioned for the stonemasons.

Cathedral development manager, Lucinda Wray-Wear, said: “There will be some people, I am sure, who think that, with the end of the restoration, work stops there.

“But the Cathedral is like any building. It needs to be constantly looked after. Unfortunately, we do not receive any direct Government funding and, as of this year, there will be no more funding from English Heritage.

“We are, therefore, very much reliant upon the continuing generosity of the general public to ensure the future of this city landmark.”

For more information about the concert or to buy tickets, contact 01905 611427.