THE York Handmade Brick Company, one of the leading independent brick makers in the country, has won the best refurbishment project award in the 2004 Brick Awards.

The company, based at Alne, near Easingwold, won the award for its work on the walled garden and new restaurant at Scampston Hall, near Malton. The company was also shortlisted for the supreme brick building award for Scampston.

These national awards, run by the Brick Development Association in conjunction with Building magazine, are the brick industry's Oscars.

The judges commented: "A once rundown eighteenth century walled garden has been given a new lease of life thanks to an inspired refurbishment and regeneration programme. This included the restoration of a three-metre high classic English country garden wall that involved rebuilding collapsed sections, extensive re-pointing and re-setting some very heavy old copings. The same level of craftsmanship is also seen in the brickwork of the smart new restaurant pavilion. The York Handmade Brick Company supplied the bricks."

David Armitage, the chairman and managing director, said: "We are very proud to have been associated with such an original and prestigious scheme. It further confirms our pedigree as manufacturer of genuine handmade bricks which look comfortable in any traditional structure from the moment they are walled. I am particularly pleased that this reflects so well on all our employees who work so hard to bring the company success."

York Handmade chose its Thirkleby Blend brick for the project, a sand-moulded, multi-coloured brick with blue, brown and red colouring and a rugged texture.

In all, 40,000 bricks and 30,000 pavers were used on this restoration, which has already become one of the most popular new tourist attractions in North Yorkshire.

Lady Legard of Scampston Hall said: "The role played by the York Handmade Brick Company in the restoration of the Scampston Walled Garden and the building of the new restaurant has been extremely important. The standard of their work has been exceptional and the overall effect is a seamless blend of old and new."

York Handmade was also shortlisted in the best refurbishment project category for its work in restoring the Victorian Myton Bridge, near Boroughbridge.