How masons restored one of Yorkshire's most unusual churches (VIDEO)

Mr Land decided to learn the skills of stone masonry from experts who were drafted in to carry out repairs when villagers embarked on a major fundraising campaign to save one of the earliest churches in the Yorkshire Wolds.

The 26-year-old persuaded York-based Matthias Garn, the master mason carrying out the work on the Grade II* St Andrew's Church near Mr Land's home in Kirby Grindalythe, to give him a trial.

Mr Land excelled and was offered a three-year apprenticeship and is soon to become a fully qualified mason. His efforts to embark on his career were recognised yesterday when he was named as English Heritage's apprentice of the year.

English Heritage's regional director, Trevor Mitchell, said: "Local people have worked tirelessly to save this masterpiece and in the case of David Land it became a springboard for a new career in traditional crafts and skills."

St Andrew's was built in Saxon times but restored in 1878 by GE Street for Sir Tatton Sykes II of Sledmere House who, with his father, commissioned or restored no fewer than 17 architecturally important churches.

The church was declared off limits to the public a few years ago because of falling masonry. But the local community launched a major fundraising campaign, and the restoration over the past five years has cost 500,000.

English Heritage has contributed 350,000 to help save the church.

The heritage body yesterday also declared St Andrew's Church the winner of a national competition to recognise the efforts of congregations in securing the future of places of worship.

A survey of 1,300 listed places of worship in the region has revealed that six per cent need urgent major repairs.