The Village Alive Trust, a local building preservation trust, is aiming to recognise historic building conservation work carried out in Monmouthshire by offering awards for building conservation.

Since 2004 the trust has secured grant-aid to rescue buildings such as the Cwm Farm Cider House at Llangattock Lingoed.

The current project is the restoration of the Grade II* listed corn barn at Great Tre-rhew Farm, Llanvetherine.

The trust's vice-president, Edward Holland, said: “We are delighted to be launching this series of awards for building conservation.

“We hope it will promote best practice and will encourage those who have worked hard to complete a successful historic buildings project.”

The award will relate to specific nominated buildings and is principally intended to commend the owner or person who commissioned the work, but by association will also commend the professionals involved in the project.

The work should be carried out in Monmouthshire between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008.

The applications will be assessed by a panel that includes professionals in the field of conservation.

The first Village Alive Trust Awards for Building Conservation will be made in June 2009 and each winner will get a plaque for the buildings, as well as a certificate for the owner and any professionals involved in the work.

Awards will be given for exemplary restoration work following best practice, rescue of a building on Monmouthshire County Council’s register of buildings at risk, exceptional design in alteration or conversion of a building or conservation of a specific feature or artefact.

Application forms can be downloaded from villagealivetrust.org. uk and should be sent to Awards Secretary, Old Shop, Skenfrith, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8UH.

The closing date for applications is January 31, 2009.