Somerset's international stonemasons, Wells Cathedral Stonemasons, have recruited German mason, Ferdinand Hölzel, to work on restoration and new-build projects throughout the UK and overseas.

Wells Cathedral Stonemasons have gained a unique reputation for combining medieval craftsmanship with modern technology, in restoring ancient buildings, such as Wells Cathedral, Hampton Court and Blenheim Palace, and in producing stone features for new buildings.

The company's latest recruit, Mr Hölzel, is already a fully trained stone-mason, having completed a four-year apprenticeship with the Museum Workshop in Berlin.

He has helped to restore some of Berlin's oldest and most impressive buildings, including the Law-courts, the Israeli Embassy, and the five-star Hotel Aldon.

Wells Cathedral Stonemasons' Managing Director, Peter Arkell said: "Like every apprentice we train ourselves, Ferdinand has been taught the full range of skills, and has excellent experience, having restored some very prestigious buildings in Berlin, and worked as a stone-sculptor in Hanover."