A stonemason who was once officially the best in the world has died at the age of 68.
Craftsman Brian Cooper was the toast of Bath when he won an international apprentice competition in 1965, while studying at what was then Bath Technical College.
The Westhill Secondary Modern pupil was apprenticed to stonemasonry firm GV Williams at Windsor Bridge, carrying on a family tradition in the trade.
His natural ability soon led him to regional competitions and in 1965, he represented Great Britain at the International Apprentice competition in Glasgow, where he won his category to be declared best in the world.
He was congratulated by Prince Philip and his winning piece of work kept on display at the college for many years.
Mr Cooper moved to a building firm and in 1967, married his wife Anne.
In 1974 Mr Cooper took over a building company in Minchinhampton, and moved from Bath with his family to Tetbury. He retired in 1994, the same year in which his wife died.
He is survived by his three daughters, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
