CRAFTSMAN who have played a key role in the multi-million pounds restoration of Durham Cathedral’s tower have been sworn in as freemen of the city.

Stone masons Steven Mann, Nigel Mawson and joiner Anthony Swallow, who all live on the outskirts of Durham, were admitted to the centuries-old craft guilds this week.

During the past three years a team of specialist cathedral workmen have been labouring on renewing the heavily weathered stone and woodwork of the tower’s eight-foot upper parapet and the belfry below.

Mr Mann, 51, became the oldest apprentice mason in the region when he jointed the team after a chance meeting with staff at the cathedral during a day trip to Durham.

Mr Mann, originally from Essex, has since been awarded a foundation degree in stonemasonry and is currently a sub-foreman on the masonry team.

He said: “I was overwhelmed when I first saw the cathedral. Since then I have worked very hard to get where I am and feel very fortunate to be involved with this beautiful World Heritage Site, working with a team of outstanding craftsmen.”

Mr Mawson, a father-of-two who started as a 16-year-old apprentice mason 40 years ago, said: “Some of the work we have required to produce has been quite intricate, a lot different to what we might routinely be asked to do. But it has been brilliant and I have loved every minute.

“It has given me a great deal of job satisfaction and a finished showpiece I am really proud to have contributed to.”

Other newcomers to the guilds are Ian Peverall, from the County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade, electrician John Bregazzi, 63, plumber John Walker and Tony Bulmer, whose family links to the freemen goes back to 1851.