WHARTON Construction, the Darlington-based building and civil engineering contractor, has won a County Durham Environment Award.

The award was presented to the firm in recognition of its work on the restoration of the historic Market Cross building in Barnard Castle.

Durham County Council presents the awards to highlight schemes which have contributed to improving the quality of the county's environment.

The Market Cross project required extensive and delicate restoration work, including the re-gilding of the weather vane, perched on the top of the dome of the building.

The project also has to be carefully managed to ensure the Grade One listed building maintained its original historic features.

Peter Wharton, MD of Wharton Construction, said: "We are delighted to have received this award. The Market Cross project is a very high profile job for us and one that required a great deal of specialised work.

"It is very gratifying to have our team's hard work recognised and commended in this way."

The Market Cross was built by Thomas Breaks and was given to the town in 1747.

In previous incarnations it been used as a Town Hall and a jail and is shrouded in local history.

Wharton Construction, established 16 years ago, has worked on numerous projects in the region, including refurbishment programmes, industrial, social housing, leisure projects and civil engineering contracts.