Archie Stoke Faiers has been presented with a new set of tools to take with him to Abu Dhabi in October when he represents British stonemasonry at WorldSkills, the world's biggest skills competition with thousands of contestants from 77 countries competing in 51 vocational skills.

The tools were specially made by British manufacturer G Gibson & Company, which has engraved them with the legend: 'A gift of the Worshipful Company of Masons'. The Worshipful Company of Masons is the formal name of the Masons Livery Company.

Archie is a Yeoman Mason of the Masons' Livery and it was the Master of the Company, Peter Clark, who presented Archie with the tools on behalf of the Livery's Craft Fund Trustees in London just as Big Ben struck 3pm behind them.

The WorldSkills Finals take place in Abu Dhabi between 15 and 18 October. In preparation, Archie is being mentored for the competition by Kevin Calpin, who is a Freeman of the Masons Livery Company.

Archie has several training sessions before his trip to Abu Dhabi, which will give him a chance to familiarise himself with his new tools. His first training session was 18-21 July in York.

Kevin Calpin commented: "Archie has thrown himself into this process and has given up much of his spare time and work time for over 18 months to train for this, the biggest skills competition in the world.

"We have approximately four training weeks left so the work for him will be ramped up to ensure he is prepared for lettering, carving, template production and completing two complex pieces of work within 22 hours!

"Archie will certainly be pulling out all the stops to gain the highest marks he possibly can for the UK."

Archie, who trained at Weymouth College, runs his own workshop in The Town Mill in Lyme Regis, Dorset, where you can see him carving and sculpting. 

He says: "I am really looking forward to the competition in Abu Dhabi in October and I am very grateful for the tools presented to me today by The Worshipful Company of Masons’ Craft Fund Trustees."

Peter Clark said: "We wish Archie every success in the competition and his chosen career working in stone."