stonemason Peter Coverdale topped off a restoration scheme with an accolade for craftsmanship.

The contractor, from Barnard Castle, put his skills to the test upgrading a derelict 15th Century castle.

Scargill Castle, near Barnard Castle, was bought by archaeologist Niall Hardie-Hammond as a wedding gift for wife Caroline.

The three-storey gatehouse was surplus to requirements when the former owner sold to a buyer who wanted the adjoining estate for its grouse moor.

Mr Hardie-Hammond, aware of the ruins through his former job as an archaeologist with Durham County Council, paid just £100 for the Grade II* listed building and scheduled ancient monument.

Having previously worked with Mr Coverdale, Mr Hardie-Hammond asked the mason to carry out the restoration of the castle.

In an eight-month contract Mr Coverdale, working with his wife, Susan, used reclaimed materials and traditional methods where possible.

The finished job was described as "wonderful conservation" by judges in the County Durham Environment Awards.

Mr Coverdale won the first craftsmanship prize, which is a new feature of the award scheme.

"I knew of Peter from my previous job and I knew he always did good work.

"He certainly did a good job here on what was a very difficult task," said Mr Hardie-Hammond, who now works for the Royal Air Force.

Mr Coverdale and project architect George Stastny were presented with the award yesterday, by county council chairman Charles Magee.

Other award winners were:

Built category - Seaham Hall, Durham's Millennium Gala Theatre and Clayport Library development, Eastgate Village Hall and Wolsingham town restoration.

Natural - Rosedale and Victoria Allotments Association, Willington.

Reclamation - UK Coal Mining's Woodside Drift and Transfer Station, near Lanchester.

Schools - Pittington Primary School's Walking Bus Scheme, Bowes Hutchinson CE School's secret garden and Wolsingham Nursery School's nursery garden.

Agenda 21 - Durham City Council's roadside recycling scheme.

Farmers' markets in Teesdale and Wear Valley were commended for their high standard of produce