Worcester Cathedral has received a grant of £20,000 to fund two restoration projects.
The projects, one to the county war memorial and one to the Old Bishop’s Palace boundary wall, will support the career progression of the cathedral's newly qualified stonemasons.
Earlier this year, Debbie Branford and Alfie Rollett passed their level two stonemasonry apprenticeships with distinctions.
Having the funds will help the pair to develop their skills by taking responsibility for two specific pieces of restoration work, as part of their level three training.
The money has come from The Associated Worshipful Companies of The Mercers', Masons', Cooks' and Broderers'.
The worn-out steps of the County War Memorial, due to frost damage, will receive a much-needed refurbishment.
The repairs, which will be made with Portland limestone, will ensure the steps are ready for this year's Remembrance commemorations.
The other repair will be to a section of the north precinct wall between the Old Palace and the Heart of Worcestershire College, damaged by a tree growing out of it.
The masons will draw, record, dismantle and rebuild, using as many of the original sandstone blocks as possible, replace new stonework where necessary and repoint using conservation techniques.
Clerk of works at Worcester Cathedral, Kate Andrew, said: "My team are excited and very grateful for the award of funds by the Members of the Masons' Company and Associated Companies to support the repair of the First World War memorial and assist with work on the Old Palace boundary wall.
"We offer a special and unique environment to work and the training we provide produces stone masons of high-quality calibre and great ability, that go on to work on cathedrals and historic buildings, benefitting the built environment nationally."
Members of the Associated Companies will visit the cathedral to view the completed works in September.
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