RESTORATION work on a Heritage at Risk church building has scooped a top preservation award for the architects.

Beech Tyldesley, from Wells, were among the winners at the William Stansell/Somerset Building Preservation Trust Awards for the project at St Michael’s Church, Othery.

Local schemes receiving commendations at a ceremony in Castle House, Taunton, were the refurbishment of Priory Barn, home to Somerset Cricket Museum, in Priory Avenue, Taunton, for architects Stone and Partners, and a house restoration in Swain Street, Watchet, where the architect was Paul Upton.

Russell Lillford, chairman of the Somerset Building Preservation Trust, said: “We are delighted at the growing success of these building awards which aim to highlight the positive contribution that well designed and conserved buildings make to their surroundings.

“Eighteen entries were received this year, all of a very high standard. I congratulate to all those who have won awards or have been commended – theirs is a considerable achievement.”

The awards are named after the late William Stansell, founder and chairman of the Stansell Group, whose great love was the conservation and repair of historic buildings.

The main sponsor is Tauntfield Ltd (the Stansell family company) and the awards were presented by Chris Winter, director of Summerfield Developments (SW) Ltd.

AWARD WINNERS.

*Repair to medieval house: Court Farm, Wookey, entrant and architects Harrison Brooks.

*Tower restoration: St Michael's Church, Othery, entrant and architects Beech Tyldesley.

*New build in a conservation area: Ferrum House, Bruton, entrant Andrew Pennock.

*Repair and renovation: Durslade Farmhouse, Bruton, entrant Hauser and Wirth Somerset.

COMMENDATIONS.

*Housing scheme incorporating part of the old building: former Wells and District Hospital, entrant and architects David Brain Partnership.

*House restoration: 41 Swain Street, Watchet, entrant and architects Paul Upton.

*Refurbishment of Priory Barn, Somerset Cricket Museum, Taunton, entrant and architects Stone and Partners, Taunton.

*Creation of small chapel inside church: St Peter and All Hallows Church, West Huntspill, entrant and architects Annie Evans, Fiddington.