TWO Worcester stonemasons are the first in the city to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in the age-old craft.

From the start of the year, memorial masonry companies needed to be registered with the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons in order to work in cemeteries.

Tony Bullock and Matt Baker of EB Memorials in Checketts Lane, Worcester, have successfully completed the NVQ in stonemasonry through Stour-bridge College and the Train to Gain project.

This means they are now fully licensed to install memorial headstones.

Elaine Bullock, the owner of EB Memorials, said: "I am delighted with Tony and Matt's success.

"They both worked hard and have been very enthusiastic about their studies. The qualification has enhanced their knowledge of the trade and increased their awareness and self-confidence."

Mr Bullock, who is 65, is Elaine's husband. He said the thought of studying for a qualification at his age was a bit daunting.

He added: "I left school at 15 with no qualifications and it was hard to get into the routine of studying and documenting the practical aspects of my work, but it was well worth the effort. I learnt some new practical skills as well as studying health and safety."

Mr Baker, 32, said: "The course was brilliant and our assessor Alan Lawrence was brilliant; he has excellent knowledge of the trade and was able to put this across well along with developing mutual respect for each other."

Mrs Bullock is currently studying for an NVQ Level three in Business Administrat-ion at Stourbridge College.

She is due to complete her course in March.

Mrs Bullock said: "I was so impressed with the benefits from the stonemason NVQ that I just had to give it a go."