BROADWAY has been selected to host a course which teaches the techniques of dry stone walling.

The Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership has set 19 new dates for courses, including Broadway in October, following the success of similar courses last year.

Qualified trainers will show trainees how dry stone walling is done, the techniques used by professionals and explain the importance of these well-known features of the Cotswold landscape.

The course in Broadway is at intermediate level and designed for people with some knowledge of the craft, particularly the 200 people who attended last year's courses and want to learn more.

Partnership spokesman Jonathan Gahan said: "Dry stone walls are an important feature of the area but 60% of them are derelict or not stock-proof and we are working to improve this situation. These training courses are just one of the methods we are using to keep stone walls in good condition and it's also a fun way for local people to get involved with the countryside. Last year's courses were an outstanding success and were over subscribed, so this year extra dates have been added to the programme to allow more people to take part."

The two-day events are organised as part of the partnership's Caring for the Cotswolds project, which has support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is working to restore dry stone walls. The Broadway course is due to be held on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3 on land near the village costs £40.

Anyone who would like more information should contact the partnership on 01451 862000.