Team Force Restoration in Blyth, Northumberland, and English Heritage have won the National Construction North West Award for Heritage for the work they have carried out at St Cuthbert’s Priory on Lindisfarne, the region’s highest profile historic site.

The project was the second phase of a larger project designed to add longevity to the structure through a measured scope of consolidation and repair works to the fabric, preserving the monument for future generations to enjoy.

The structure has suffered extensive masonry erosion that necessitated the replacement of some unsound stone using Stancliffe’s Doddington sandstone, with its mixture of light buff to purple colouring, that is local to the area.

Hard cement mortar added during a previous repair programme also had to be removed and replaced with lime mortar.

As well as the work, Team Force Managing Director Brendan Teasdale was expected to provide some training for conservation professionals while the job progressed.

Not that he minded that. He likes passing on his skills and is the ‘masonry skills’ and ‘setting out’ tutor at Orton Trust, the much respected training organisation in Northamptonshire.

The Heritage Award recognises high standards in the repair, re-use and revitalisation of the built heritage. It is Sponsored by the National Construction Academy. Lindisfarne will now go forward to the national final.