The search is on for four young professionals from the world of architecture and building for the unique SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) Scholarship 2008.

The successful applicants will hit the road together next year on a journey of discovery that will take them the length and breadth of Britain.

SPAB’s prestigious Scholarship aims to give talented and enthusiastic young people at the beginning of their career first-hand experience of conservation, visiting and working on site and in craftsmen’s workshops and studios throughout the UK. It is a training opportunity that has no equivalent or parallel in the formal or informal education system. Former SPAB scholars are today among the UK’s leading conservation experts, caring for many of the most significant buildings in Britain – some are cathedral architects, some look after palaces, National Trust houses and English Heritage sites.

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The Scholarship, which is organised and administered by SPAB, is awarded annually to up to four young architects, building surveyors or structural engineers who have completed their college-based training and have a demonstrable enthusiasm for historic building conservation.

Marianne Suhr and Ptolemy Dean, the expert co-presenters of BBC’s popular Restoration programme are both former SPAB Scholars.

In 1993 Ptolemy Dean chose to research houses altered by Sir John Soane, while in 1995, Marianne Suhr studied the effect of foreign influence and travel on the English country house.

Marianne said: "The Scholarship is very special. It was a wonderful opportunity to deepen my knowledge and interest in old buildings. Having the chance to work with architects, builders and expert crafts men and women at so many fascinating places in Britain was inspirational and I would urge anyone who is serious about developing a career in conservation to apply."

(CL)