One of the top awards in this year's Durham County Council environment awards cheme went to Tim Sanderson for rebuilding St Nicholas Church Youth Centre in Durham City, using reclaimed slate for the roof.

It was one of five projects that won an award in the Built Environment category. The successful schemes ranged from the complete renovation of a three-storey building in Bishop Auckland to the creation of Home Zone streets in Thornley

Winners were presented at a ceremony involving local dignitaries at county hall in Durham. They saw a presentation of the schemes and received plaques and certificates before having a buffet lunch.

Master of Ceremonies Bryan Harris said: "The aim is to encourage good design and sustainable principles in all aspects of the built and natural environment.

"We have seen a huge variety of schemes and one thing they all have in common is the fantastic enthusiasm of all the people involved."

Launched 15 years ago by the county council, the environment award recognises and encourages high levels of achievements in projects involving the built and natural environment.

It aims to promote care of the environment through sensitive schemes that conserve and enhance natural features and demonstrate good guardianship.

Durham County Council chairman Coun Alan Fenwick said: "This is the 15th year of the awards and as always they have all been very successful.

"There have been a high number of good quality schemes, which makes judging the competition very difficult."

Forty-eight entries were submitted for the awards with 27 short-listed and 20, including schools, businesses and individuals, receiving prizes. In all, nine awards, eight commendations and three cash prizes were awarded.

The six categories were sponsored by English Heritage, Premier Waste Management and County Durham Environmental Trust.