A BLACKSMITH from Herefordshire has been granted the Freedom of the City of London.

Neil Lossock runs Dragonswood Forge in Stoke Lacy and has worked from the village for more than 20 years.

He started his career in blacksmithing at the National School of Blacksmithing (now in Holme Lacy) - first as a student and then as a lecturer.

In October 2015 the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in London awarded him a Bronze medal, in recognition of the continuing high quality of his work and his contribution to the craft over the years.

This means he is a master blacksmith, a Fellow of The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.

Following this he was granted the Freedom of the City of London in December at the Guildhall in London.

The Freedom of the City of London is closely tied to the role and status of the livery companies, of which there are 110 and comprise of London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, including the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.

New freemen are enrolled in a ceremony in Guildhall, when they receive a guide to conducting their lives in an honourable fashion and a sealed certificate.

Neil is an artist blacksmith, specialising in making fine plant forms and sculptures and he is also well known for his large dragons.

He has exhibited across the UK, winning awards at international and national level, including at the RHS Flower Shows at Chelsea, Hampton Court and Malvern. His work can be found in collections across the world as well as more locally.