A SPA complex influenced by the Far East has earned a North-East hotel an environment award.

Development of the Serenity Spa, at Seaham Hall, Seaham, County Durham, was guided by Chinese Feng Shui.

The three interlocked circular pods that make up the spa caught the eye of judges in Durham County Council's annual environment awards.

It was one of five projects that won an award in the Built Environment category.

Paul Webster, the contract manager who built the spa, said: "We were very pleased to get the award. It was great to be involved in a job that is so unique.

"We haven't done anything like this before and I doubt we ever will again."

The successful schemes ranged from the renovation of a three-storey building in Bishop Auckland to the creation of Home Zone streets in Thornley, County Durham.

Winners were presented at a ceremony involving local dignitaries in County Hall, Durham.

They saw a presentation of the schemes and the winners received plaques and certificates before enjoying a buffet lunch.

Master of Ceremonies Bryan Harris said: "The aim is to encourage good design and sustainable principles in all aspects of the built and natural environment.

"We have seen a huge variety of schemes and one thing they all have in common is the fantastic enthusiasm of all the people involved."

Launched 15 years ago by the county council, the Environment Award recognises high levels of achievement in projects

The awards aim to promote care of the environment through sensitive schemes that conserve and enhance natural features and demonstrate good guardianship.

Councillor Alan Fenwick, Durham County Council chairman, said: "This is the 15th year of the awards and, as always, they have all been very successful.

"There have been a high number of good quality schemes, which makes judging the competition very difficult."

Forty-eight entries were submitted for the awards with 27 shortlisted and 20 receiving prizes.

In all, nine awards, eight commendations and three cash prizes were presented.

The six categories were sponsored by English Heritage, Premier Waste Management and County Durham Environmental Trust.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY

Awards

* Wayne Baister for renovating the three-storey Killerby House, in Durham Chare, Bishop Auckland

*Tim Sanderson for rebuilding St Nicholas Church Youth Centre, in Durham, using reclaimed slate for the

* Howard Thompson, of Napper Architects, for providing spa facilities and services along Feng Shui principles at The Serenity Spa, Seaham Hall, Seaham

* Nicola Duckworth, of Durham County Council, for the Wolsingham Environmental Improvement Scheme

* Fiona Rawlinson, of Wolsingham Primary School, for the transformation of a playground into an attractive garden with play equipment.

Commendation

* Tony Stringer, of Stringer and Jones Architects, for the two-storey extension to the Durham Dales Centre

* Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall Architects for designing a new building with concern for the environment at Roseberry House, Aykley Heads, in Durham

* Nicola Duckworth, of Durham County Council, for the Shotley Bridge Conservation Area Partnership Scheme

*l New Thornley Partnership and Durham County Council for the Creation of a Homezone Gait and Asquith Streets, Thornley.

CRAFTSMANSHIP CATEGORY

Award

* Stelling Joinery for the restoration of a grade II listed building, including bowed glass and curved bay window at The Bank, Barnard Castle.

* Kate Culverhouse, of Groundwork West Durham, for the stone sculpture and seating at entrance of estate at Watergate Estate, Crook.

NATURAL CATEGORY

Award

* Mr and Mrs Wilson for the enhancement of environment as part of an eco-tourism scheme at East Briscoe Farm Holiday Cottages

* The Reverend R Bainbridge, chairman of Hamsterley Millennium Yew Community Garden, for creating a community garden on previously derelict plot to celebrate the Millennium in Hamsterley.

Commendation

* Dave Ranner, of Durham Voluntary Countryside Ranger Service, for the fencing and maintenance of wetland habitat to improve access to Tanfield Lea Marsh Local Nature Reserve Scheme.

WASTE

Cash Prize

* Mrs M Clarke, environmental education co-ordinator at for the recycling, composting and encouragement of wildlife.

LOCAL AGENDA 21

Award

* Mike Preston, Seaham Town Council parks manager, for creating green burial space at Seaham Cemetery, Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham.

Commendation

* Tina Patterson, of Lanchester Parklife, for the development of run-down recreation field to multi-functional use at Parkhouse Play Area, Lanchester.

SCHOOLS

Commendation

*John Rymaszewski, headteacher at Burnopfield Primary School, for the conversion of an open uncultivated grassed quadrangle into sensory garden.

Cash Prize

* Mrs Connolly, headteacher at Forest of Teesdale Primary School, for contributing to English Nature's work to revitalise the Teesdale Junipers

* Mrs J Wrightson, headteacher at Moorside Primary School and Nursery Unit, for the creation of a bog and butterfly garden with furniture and play facilities.