A stone carver from Broadoak has won first prize in Melplash Agricultural Society’s rural craft competition.
Ben Russell is an award-winning, classically trained sculptor who creates hand-carved, nature-inspired pieces using British stone as well as marble, alabaster and onyx sourced from further afield.
Now in its 13th year, the competition was established by past society chairman and society secretary, Mrs Elizabeth Gale in memory of her late husband, the Master Thatcher, Guy Gale.
The competition is open to craftsmen and women living within a 20-mile radius of Melplash Village Church who derive their livelihood from their craft.
Ben was presented with the Guy Gale Perpetual Trophy by Abigail Knight, Elizabeth Gale’s granddaughter, at the Melplash Show.
He said: “Winning the Melplash Craft Award was a lovely surprise, especially knowing of the diverse range of rural crafts alive within this extremely creative area!
“It is great to be recognised locally.”
This year the judges were Angie Samways and last year’s winner, the yurt maker Emily Gainsford. The society steward was Stuart Gay.
They awarded second prize to Alex Pole, a blacksmith also based in Broadoak.
Third prize went to Stephen Bartlett, a drystone waller from Chickerell.
Wheelwright Chris Randall of Litton Cheney won fourth place.
Fifth prize was awarded jointly to Bridport signwriter Jemma Thompson and Upwey potter/ceramicist, Nick Jackson.