FAMILY-run house builder Roland Jones Homes has fought off tough competition to secure a prestigious national award voted for by new homeowners.

The company, which is based in Little Comberton, near Pershore, was awarded Silver in the British Housebuilder Awards 2005. The awards have become the recognised standard for homebuyers to acknowledge and reward quality and service within the residential property market and this year celebrate their 21st anniversary.

Roland Jones Homes which has been in operation since 1968 won in the fiercely contested small size category for completing between three and 10 homes in the year up to March 2004.

The judging was based on 11 key service questions and the winning developments, which scored highly among the new residents, were the city centre apartments at Fairfax House in Fish Street, Worcester and homes situated in Old Orchard in Cleeve Prior, near Evesham.

These were praised for the quality of service and luxury specifications that includes features such as a curved staircase, freestanding baths, and the use of minimalist glass block enclosures to maximise light.

"We are delighted to have received national recognition for the homes we build," said the founder of the company Roland Jones.

"This award is particularly important to us as it is voted for by purchasers of new homes and endorses our belief that new homeowners deserve the best product and the best service available," he added.