Properties in East Ruston, Wells and Fakenham have taken the top spots in a north Norfolk council's development awards.

A converted Grade II listed barn in East Ruston has been awarded the North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) Graham Allen award for contribution to the built environment.

The owners of Church Barn, Sue and Simon Wiseman, which won the judges' vote, oversaw the conversion and the creation of a one storey extension.

Mrs Wiseman said: 'I am particularly pleased to have won considering the impressive standard of all the nominees.'

The judges praised the conversion and said they were impressed by the passion, dedication and vision the owners had shown in transforming a derelict barn into a unique home.

The prize for highly commended was awarded to Wells Maltings.

The project saw the conversion and extension of the Grade II listed maltings building in Wells into a cultural centre and community hub, and recently opened to the public.

And the former Aldiss building in Fakenham, now restored as 31-34 Market Place, was awarded the Commended prize, for the creation of a mixed-use development, following fire damage to the town centre site.

Sue Arnold, NNDC's planning portfolio holder, and chairman of the awards judging panel, said: 'The quality of this year's entries and subsequent shortlist for judging was exceptionally high.

'This year's winners can be incredibly proud of their achievement.

'Well done to all those who entered.

'It has again been a pleasure to be involved with this excellent set of awards in 2018.'

John Rest, NNDC's independent group leader, said: 'It is always rewarding to receive any accolade for a project that has taken time, energy and no doubt lots of money to achieve.

'Our panel take a lot of care and consideration in choosing the finalists.

'Well done to the winners.'

The Graham Allen award, which is presented annually, has been running for the last 36 years to celebrate the best of design and conservation in north Norfolk.

The results were announced on Thursday, October 4 during a ceremony held at NNDC's offices.

Previous years' winners have included the extension to Binham Priory and Wild Acres in Heydon.