TWO west Dorset projects have been recognised with regional construction awards.

The restoration of Belmont in Lyme Regis and the new household recycling centre in Bridport were amongst the winners at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RCIS) South West Awards in Bristol.

The Landmark Trust's restoration of Belmont was named the winner of the Building Conservation category at a ceremony on Wednesday (18) night, while the recycling centre was highly commended in the Infrastructure category.

The RICS awards showcase the most inspirational regional initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and the environment.

Lynne Robinson, RCIS regional director for UK South, said: “Every year the RICS South West Awards attract a significant number of quality entries and this year was no different.

"Selecting the shortlist was a challenge as the talent, vision and exceptional skills behind them was nothing short of remarkable. It goes without saying that our judging panel of nine industry experts found deciding upon the eight category winners particularly tough.”

The major conservation achievements of the Belmont project include the restoration of a dilapidated Grade II listed early maritime villa, dating from 1784.

The former home of author John Fowles, who wrote The French Lieutenant’s Woman, is now owned by the Landmark Trust. The property has been returned to its original use as a residential dwelling and is now generating an income from holiday lettings which will guarantee the preservation of the building for the foreseeable future. Traditional materials and construction methods were used throughout the restoration process.

The judges described the Landmark Trust's work at Belmont as "a stunning restoration project" completed with "extraordinary attention to detail”.

Last year, the Landmark Trust claimed the 2015 Restoration of a Georgian Building in an Urban Setting award for the restoration of Belmont.

The Duke of Wellington presented the award to the Landmark Trust at the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The new household waste recycling and transfer facility at Bridport is integrated within the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and supports the surrounding biodiversity of a designated Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

A total of 45 schemes from the south west were shortlisted across the eight categories and a record number of guests attended the presentation ceremony at the Bristol Marriott Hotel hosted by Homes under the Hammer presenter Martin Roberts.

Category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final in London on October 14.