Are you house proud?

Monmouthshire property owners are being invited, by a local building preservation trust, to compete for an award recognising the skill and achievements of those who have been involved in the restoration of the County's historic buildings and structures.

Since 2004, the community-based Village Alive Trust has secured grant-aid to rescue listed buildings including the Cwm Farm Cider House at Llangattock Lingoed. The Trust aims to support rural communities and encourage interest from local residents and visitors to the area.

The Trust is launching the series of awards in recognition of the good work being carried out by many people across the county.

The award will relate to specifically nominated buildings and will commend both the owner of the property and all those involved.

Simon Robertshaw, Monmouthshire County Council's Conservation Manager is enthusiastic about the competition:

"I'd like to urge people to get involved with the award scheme as it will help us to all appreciate the work carried out and to share our understanding of the county's historic buildings and our commitment to them."

The award categories are:

• rescue of a building on Monmouthshire County Council's register of buildings at risk
• exemplar restoration following best practice
• exceptional design in alteration or conversion of an historic building
• conservation of a specific feature or artefact associated with an historic building The work should have been
• carried out between January 1st 2004 and December 31st 2008
• made to a building or structure within Monmouthshire

The first Village Alive Trust Awards for Building Conservation will be made in June 2009. Each winner will receive a specially commissioned plaque for the award-winning building and a certificate. An independent panel will judge and their decision will be final.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.villagealivetrust.org.uk and sent to Awards Secretary, Old Shop, Skenfrith, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, and NP7 8UH by 28th February 2009.