Architecture students will be invited to submit designs for a Portland stone bench in the City of London in a competition later this year.

The competition, which aims to encourage architectural design and stone masonry skills, has previously been held in 2006 and 2009.

This year’s bench will be installed on Cheapside. Winning designs from previous competitions have been produced and installed at West Smithfield and Riverside Walk.

The competition is open to architectural students from across the UK. Shortlisted candidates are invited to the quarry to meet the masons and learn more about stone masonry.

The competition is supported by the Cathedral Works Organisation and the Mason’s Company.