Toilets, a sports centre and changing rooms are among the more unusual winners in an awards scheme to honour the best buildings in Mendip.

Mendip District Council has handed out 20 accolades to developers, designers and individuals who have planned, managed and constructed some of the best buildings in the district.

The council's Built in Quality Awards 2008 ceremony took place on Thursday night at Glastonbury Town Hall when Michael Eavis, the founder of the world famous Glastonbury Festival, presented the prizes.

Among the new categories this year was a prize for partnerships which was presented in memory of well known architectural technician Andy Wills who passed away last year. This new prize was won by Attic Life Ltd.

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The awards, which were sponsored by Bradfords Building Supplies, recognise and reward projects built to the highest standards of design, workmanship and project management, during the past year.

The winners were chosen by a panel which includes Cllr Alistair Glanvile as portfolio holder for building control and Tracy Aarons who manages the service.

Tracy Aarons said: "The standard of this year's entries has again been very high, and proves that we have some excellent developers, builders and individual residents who are committed to planning and managing their projects to a high standard.

"We were so pleased that last year's awards proved successful that we were able to repeat it and continue showcasing the best the construction industry has to offer in the local area."

Last year was the first time that the council hosted its Built in Quality awards - the first of their type in the district - and those proved such a success that they are planned to be repeated annually.

The winners from the Mendip awards will now have the opportunity to go through to regional finals to be in with a chance of competing for national titles to recognise the best buildings around the country.

(GK/JM)