An Oxford stonemason whose lasting legacy can be seen around the city has died.

Anthony Walker, who was 78, died at home in Marston on February 6, after a long illness. The former stonemason was responsible for building and restoring many of Oxford’s most famous buildings.

He was born in Toot Baldon and was one of the first pupils to attend the then new Sandhills Primary School, Oxford, in 1940.

Mr Walker took up a five-year apprenticeship with construction firm Joslins, which was later taken over by Benfield & Loxley.

He worked as foreman and then contracts manager at Symm & Co Stonemasons, later known as Axtell Perry Symm, in Osney Mead, until he retired in 1995.

Mr Walker restored many Oxford colleges and famous buildings, including Wadham College, Tom Tower and Wolsey Tower in Christ Church, the Claredon Building, the Sheldonian Theatre and New College.

He also helped build Nuffield College and the School of Forestry.

There is a carving of Mr Walker’s head in Christ Church, as a mark of the work he carried out in the city.

His widow, Beryl, 76, said: “He was very proud of his craft and admired and encouraged all fellow craftsmen.”

Shortly after his retirement, he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to stonemasonry in Oxford.

He leaves behind daughter Catherine, 49, son Derek, 46, and four grand-daughters.