These two Cononley dry stone walling experts have been plying their trade on the Continent this winter.

Father and son team Trevor, left, and Michael Brennan of Low Woodside farm travelled to Portugal following enquiries by Algarve resident Martinho Silva.

Mr Silva, who owns an orange farm near the town of Quelfes, wanted some traditional dry stone walling after seeing it on the Internet.

And after the work was completed the Mayor of Quelfes, Manuel Martins, was so impressed with their work that he presented the men with a certificate of thanks. Now the Brennans, who are members of the Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain, are hoping that their Portuguese endeavours will lead to more work in the sun.

Trevor Brennan said: "What we are hoping is that some of the people with villas out there will be interested in having some of their own done.

"We are in Europe, it's a global economy, we have to be prepared to move around."

The work is not the only thing that attracts him to Portugal.

He added: "We had a good holiday besides a good escapade."