TWO very different buildings are to share a city's top annual architectural prize.

The City of Durham Trust Architectural Commendation of the Year is to be awarded jointly to St Brandon's Church, at Brancepeth, following its reconstruction after a major fire, and the new Visual Arts Centre, at Durham Sixth Form Centre.

All buildings constructed or restored in the city last year were considered by the trust.

It opted for the St Brandon's restoration, culminating in its rededication in October, seven years after fire destroyed its roof, and caused major internal damage.

Judges said the Grade I medieval church, embellished by Bishop Cosin in the 17th Century, is considered "irreplaceable".

"While replication would have been a forgery, an alternative reconstruction presented a challenge of the highest order," said the trust's honorary joint secretary, Dr Douglas Pocock.

"The outcome, clearly meriting recommendation by the trust, is little short of a miracle."

Accolades are given to the project architect, Christopher Downs, interior furnisher Martin Stancliffe, structural engineer Patrick Parsons Ltd, archaeologist Peter Ryder and main contractor MM Plasline Ltd.

Dr Pocock said: "If Brancepeth Church was the obvious choice for the trust's commendation, the qualities of a second building so surprised trustees that they decided, exceptionally, to award a second commendation for 2005.

"In more recent decades, school buildings have hardly been characterised by their architectural quality, but the new arts centre at the Sixth Form Centre immediately attracts attention."

Dr Pocock likened it to Le Corbusier's famous chapel at Ronchamp, in France, and quoted headteacher Mike Brett, who said the new environment has instilled, "an enhanced sense of pride and enthusiasm among its users".

Architect Ian Scott, of Niven Architects, Darlington, was praised for his innovative design, while the contractor was again MM Plasline Ltd.

Certificates for St Brandon's will be presesnted at the church, on March 18. No date has yet been set for the Sixth Form Centre's arts centre.