THE North-East's first national museum has clinched another award for its environmentally-friendly features.

The £10m Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, at Shildon, was given an award in the built environment category of the 2004 County Durham Environment Awards, presented by Durham County Council.

The museum, which has already won an award from the European Regional Development Fund for its green credentials, was praised by judges for its striking design and "some of the most imaginative energy consumption reduction measures of any scheme submitted".

These include a photovoltaic array that powers the building's interactive displays, solar panels that provide energy and a rainwater harvesting system that runs off into an underground storage tank.

Rod Lugg, business manager of the county council's design, landscape and environment group, said: "It is a national attraction and there is a lot of conservation and renewable energy.

"The site was a brownfield site, derelict, and the museum has helped the whole area. It has been brilliant from the tourism and sustainable angle as well."

The rebuilding of St Brandon's Church, New Brancepeth, near Durham, following a blaze in 1998 also won an award for architect Christopher Downs in the same category.

In all, 52 projects were entered in the seven categories, with 32 shortlisted.

The awards, recognise good design and projects that are sensitive to the environment and promote sustainability.

The winners were:

Built Environment Category

Awards: Northumbrian Water for new treatment works near Burnhope Reservoir, Wear Valley; Durham County Council for New Brancepeth Home Zone in Prospect Terrace/Edward Terrace, New Brancepeth; Chartered architect Christopher Downs for the rebuilding of St Brandon's Church, Brancepeth Village, following severe fire damage; Durham County Council, for new technology classroom at Escomb Primary School; The National Railway Museum, Shildon, for the building housing the collection; Mrs Clare Terry for renovation of Thorngate Coach House, Barnard Castle. Commendations: Chester-le-Street District Council for third phase of environmental improvements to Front Street and South Burns, Chester-le-Street; Councillor John Shuttleworth and St Aidan's Community Trust for footway improvements at Rookhope; Morthan Estates for restoration and conversion of Grade II listed building at Tithe Barn, Brignall, near Greta Bridge; Duncan Callum and County Durham Care for the extra-care home at Charles Dickens Lodge in Barnard Castle; Tony Burns for new play area and store at Cassop Primary School.

Natural Category

Awards: Horden Parish Council for restoration of Horden Welfare Park; Bishop Middleham Parish Council for Bishop Middleham Wildlife Garden; Commendations: David Long, for wild wetland at Durham Wildlife Trust's Low Barnes Nature Reserve; Willington Community Partnership for Jubilee Meadows at Low Willington.

Waste Category

Award: UK Coal for restoration of Old Eldon Waste Tip. Schools commendation: Villa Real School for its environmental education.

Cash prize: Pat Barker for tiled picture at Cotherstone Primary School; Lorraine Dando for wildlife/quiet garden at Stephenson Way Primary School, Newton Aycliffe.

Local Action 21 Category

Awards: Ewan Boyd, manager, for environmental improvements at Langdon Beck Youth Hostel; Tom Mercer for social, economic and environmental improvements at Harehope Quarry. Commendation: Groundwork West Durham for West Durham Greenstart scheme.

Energy Category

Awards: Astley Fenwick for site energy efficiency at GlaxoSmithKline; 3G Energy for installation of wood fuel heating at Cassop Primary School. Commendation: Teesdale District Council for Teesdale Leisure Solar Thermal Project.

Craftsmanship Category

Award: Durham Cathedral for restoration of the north window of the Chapel of the Nine Altars. Commendation: Chris Topp for gates at Horden Welfare Park