A PROJECT to restore a former quarry in a picturesque dale in keeping with the surrounding landscape has been nominated for an award.

Lafarge Cement's work to restore its quarry at Weardale, in County Durham, has been put forward for a County Durham Environment Award.

The awards encourage good design and sustainable principles in built and natural environments and promote the care of the environment through sensitive schemes that conserve and enhance natural features.

The quarry supplied the firm's Eastgate works which manufactured cement from 1965 to 2002.

The plant was demolished in 2006 and 1.9 million tonnes of material has been moved so steep slopes and faces on the 1,300 acre site could be reshaped to blend into the hillside.

With the land forming work completed, Durham County Council has accepted the site for aftercare which will include planting, dry stone wall repairs and footpaths created.

Lafarge's national minerals manager Jeremy Elvins said: "We are very hopeful that all this hard work will be recognised as award-winning and that it also pays dividends for the local landscape and community of Weardale in the future."

The Durham County Council awards have seven categories. The winners will be announced next month.

An outline planning application for the Eastgate Renewable Energy Village, designed to regenerate the cement works site with tourist attractions, homes, business and recreation facilities, is due to be submitted in the next few weeks.