A MASON is turning a cathedral’s Lego model initiative on its head by creating a replica of the plastic bricks in stone.

Church leaders have been inviting people to buy £1 Lego bricks for a model of Durham Cathedral, in the hope of raising £1m towards its £10m Open Treasure project.

Now cathedral stonemason Nigel Mawson is turning the idea back around and crafting a replica of a Lego brick in sandstone.

Mr Mawson said: “I’m used to working on replacement stones or ornate archways and windows for restoration work on the cathedral, so this is something a bit different, but the principles are the same.”

The brick will be 15 times larger than the plastic original.

Mr Mawson will be demonstrating his skills at a Heritage Skills Fair in Tynemouth from tomorrow (Friday, June 20) until Sunday.