A new course starts next month at Keighley College but it is already set in stone!

Students will learn basic stone carving techniques and explore the design of gothic symbolism and figures.

The NCFE (Northern Council for Further Education) course will be taught by Michael Dillon, who runs a family stonemasonry business founded by his great-grandfather in 1910.

Michael -- who learned to carve stone when he was nine years old and left school to work full-time in the business at just 15 -- specialises in the conservation and restoration of churches, ancient buildings and monuments.

The 55-year-old, from Bradford, is the fourth generation of his family to run the business and hopes his daughter, Claire, who often helps out with designs and is a good carver, can be persuaded to eventually take over.

Michael began teaching at Keighley College just over a year ago in the construction department. He has previously taught at York College of Stonemasonry and holds a degree in historical architecture.

He said: "This course is ideal for people who haven't worked with stone before and we don't expect people to come with any prior knowledge. Indeed, complete beginners are to be encouraged and will be made very welcome.

"It's also an ideal starting point for people who are interested in studying art and design but don't yet know what medium they want to work in.

"One could start on this course and move on to another course working with wood, colours, cloths, or indeed more advanced stone-carving techniques -- it's a good first step."

The course will run for three hours every Tuesday over 20 weeks.

For further information contact Keighley College's Information, Advice and Guidance Centre, on 01535 618600. Places on the course are limited.