A PROJECT that restored a 19th century blacksmith’s shop to its former glory has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Hetton Smithy in Hetton-le-Hole was saved from near collapse by a Limestone Landscapes Project hosted by Durham County Council and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The project has now been nationally recognised by being shortlisted in one of the Heritage Angel categories - best rescue of an industrial building or site.

It is one of only four buildings selected from across England in this category.

The annual English Heritage Angel Awards were founded by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber to celebrate and reward the efforts of local people in saving their heritage. Owners of the smithy, John and Linda Guy, along with the programme manager of the Limestone Landscapes Partnership, Tony Devos, will attend the red carpet event at the Palace Theatre, London, on November 3.

Councillor Neil Foster, county council cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “It’s great to see such a worthwhile project getting the recognition it deserves by being shortlisted for a national award.

"What is now a significant cultural asset could have been lost but, thanks to the hard work of the partnership, the region now boasts a fully working blacksmith’s shop.

“By restoring the smithy one of the last remaining farrier blacksmiths in the country can continue his work and, we hope, preserve these skills by passing them onto the next generation.”

People can see the smithy in action at Heritage Open Days from Friday September 12 to Sunday September 14, between 10am and 3pm.

To vote for the Hetton Smithy visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/angel-awards/vote2014.