A KENDAL building firm has scooped two industry awards for an eco-friendly barn conversion in the Lake District.

Simpson Construction Ltd brought home the prizes for best new home and best energy efficiency project at the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) North West region awards.

The company will now go through to the UK finals, to be presented at a ceremony at the Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel in London on September 15 hosted by TV presenter and building enthusiast Nick Knowles.

The team at Simpson Construction Ltd was selected by judges to win both awards for work carried out on a traditional Westmorland bank barn. The property was converted into two substantial three-storey properties and a single two-storey cottage, overlooking Windermere lake. The homes are said to "blend subtly into the surrounding Lake District".

If Simpson wins the overall UK title, the company will receive a new Vauxhall van worth up to £20,000, and the clients will also receive a £1,000 cheque.

The Master Builder Awards are now in their 13th year and are described as "a flagship for high-quality building work".

Steve Laurence, FMB North director said: “The Master Builder Awards give the FMB the opportunity to celebrate a job well done and for clients to say thank you to their builders. For the building industry it is an opportunity to celebrate all that is good about small local builders and their importance to the UK economy.

"Time and time again we have been impressed with just how far these builders will go to ensure their client is happy. It is this dedication that we want to celebrate. Simpson Construction should feel justly proud of their achievement in winning and we wish them every success in the national competition.”