Doulting Stone Quarry has been sold for £2.6 million, with the deal safeguarding jobs at the Somerset site.

The quarry, near Shepton Mallet, has supplied limestone for building projects since Roman times. Its stone has been used in Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Abbey, as well as Guildford Cathedral.

The buyer is Hopkins Estates, a Wincanton-based family business with interests in property, construction materials and agriculture. The quarry was sold through joint fixed charge receivers after being put on the market earlier this year. Nub News reported in April that the site was for sale.

Hopkins Estates managing director Bill Hopkins said: "We are delighted to have acquired Doulting Stone Quarry, a business with a remarkable heritage and outstanding reputation.

"We look forward to working with the existing team to build on the quarry's long history of success and drive the business forward for years to come."

The number of jobs safeguarded has not been disclosed. The previous owner was Doulting Stone Quarry Limited, founded by landowner Colin Keevil.

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