Award for woman who turned a farm building into a cookery school

Judy Gardner was given a Distinction in Building award by Wychavon District Council for Eckington Manor in Eckington, near Pershore.

The Wychavon Building Design award means the transformed farm buildings, where people take part in residential cooking courses, were recognised as having high standards of design, sustainable construction and craftsmanship.

Mrs Gardner said she thought the quality of the design had secured her award for the school, which is set in part of a working farm.

She said: "I've kept all the old features there. The quality and what we've put into it is to a very high standard."

Mrs Gardner said transforming Lower End house had presented problems but visitors to the cookery school now described it as "mindblowing".

She said: "I'm delighted to receive the award. It hasn't been the easiest project but we are delighted with the result."

In July, your Worcester News reported how her diversification project had caused controversy in the village, with neighbours fearing an application to sell alcohol would lead to problems.

However, Mrs Gardner said the school was now up and running and going well.

The council's chairman Don Lawley presented a plaque and certificate to Mrs Gardner at an awards ceremony.

Other winners included the Throckmorton Village Trust for the development of the Throckmorton Parish Hall and David and Emma Pearson for the design of Applewood, a contemporary home at Kemerton in the Cotwolds area of outstanding natural beauty.

The winners were chosen from a shortlist of 14 completed over the past two years in three categories: heritage, new homes and community.

Coun Lawley said: "This is the sixth year we have made these awards and this year we received the highest number of nominations ever. The benchmark for building design has certainly risen, and these projects must rank among the very best in the area and set the standards for others to follow."