A YORK surveyor has picked up a national award recognising the achievements on young professionals in the industry.

Matthew Watson, a rural surveyor at Savills York, has won the rural prize at the RICS Matrics Young Surveyor of the Year Awards.

Mr Watson was one of three shortlisted candidates in the Rural category, whittled down from hundreds of entrants across eleven categories, ranging from residential, rural, valuation and project management.

Sally Lewis, RICS Matrics Chair and head of the judging panel of the awards, commended Mr Watson's dedication when 25 estate properties in Yorkshire were flooded and Mr Watson worked around the clock to liaise between client, tenants, insurers, loss adjusters and builders, getting all the properties back into good habitable condition, going beyond the call of duty.

Mr Watson said: "I’m absolutely delighted; it’s great to have won this special award.

"The competition was tough, but being a part has been very worthwhile.

"I’d like to thank my employer, Savills, and clients for all their support and help and also everyone at RICS Matrics for a great competition and awards evening."