BUILDING EXCELLENCE: Peter Henderson and Ross Mitchell of H and M Builders with their conservation award
BUILDING EXCELLENCE: Peter Henderson and Ross Mitchell of H and M Builders with their conservation award

A DALE building company has been presented with a top regional conservation award at a ceremony in Newcastle.

Partners Ross Mitchell and Peter Henderson of H and M Construction Ltd, based in Middleton-in-Teesdale, were highly commended by LABC (Local Authority Building Control) Building Excellence Awards for a three-storey extension they completed in the dale.

The pair, who started their building firm 14 years ago, said it was the first time they had been nominated and didn’t expect to be awarded anything.

“Just to be nominated was great,” said Mr Mitchell.

“We never expected to get anything as there were other nominees with multi-million pound builds.

“So when they said we'd received a highly commended we couldn't believe it. We’re over the moon.”

The award is shared with Weardale architect Philip Newbold and Red Electrical and is for a three-storey extension they built at the home of Mickleton residents Mark Holdstock and his wife Jane Longhorn.

“As Mark’s house is in a conservation area of the village we had to ensure it was in-keeping but also provided him with all the requirements he needed,” added Mr Mitchell.

He said they worked closely with Durham County Council's building control officer Brian Wade throughout the build.

They sourced reclaimed stone and Teesdale slate for the roof to ensure the extension blended seamlessly with the existing stone house.