ADULTS who fancy carving out a new occupation as a stonemason can sign up for a course at Salisbury Cathedral.

For the first time in 30 years the cathedral’s works department is running an in-house stone carving course for two days.

The course, on Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4, will be held in the works department, which has been on the same site since the laying of the first foundations of the cathedral at the start of the 13th century.

The course is open to all adults, irrespective of whether or not they have done stone carving or even picked up a chisel before.

Gary Price, clerk of works, said: “Stone masonry is very therapeutic. You can switch yourself off to the outside world for two days and concentrate on what you are making whether that is a gargoyle, carving some lettering, or making something for your garden. Be assured that our mason will guide you every step of the way.”

The course costs £125 for the full two days and includes a workshop tour and tower tour.

For details or to book a place visit salisburycathedral.org.uk/events/stone-carving-workshop.