GREEN apples were on the menu for a York-based conservation and restoration company after it scooped a trio of environmental awards.

Wm Anelay Ltd, one of the country's longest-established construction businesses, picked up the three gongs in the International Green Apple Awards 2005.

The company won the national heritage champion's trophy and national gold award for the £1.75 million restoration of 78 Derngate, Northampton, a 1820s terraced house once owned by acclaimed model engineer Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke.

The house has been turned into a museum by a team of craftsmen from the York firm and specially-recruited conservators.

The company, which has been trading continuously since 1747, also won a national silver award for its role in the repair of historic pavilions during a £3 million restoration of Derby Arboretum.

Vernon Carter, managing director of Wm Anelay, said: "We are delighted at the growing national and international recognition for our work in the specialist conservation and restoration of heritage properties and are pleased to add these new awards to those we have previously won."

Wm Anelay has more than 80 staff. It has been involved in the repair of buildings including St Andrew's, Bishopthorpe, and Selby Abbey and statues such as that of artist William Etty in Exhibition Square, York.

Roger Wolens, of The Green organisation, said: "There was a record entry of 300 nominations this year and we presented 50 awards. Wm Anelay has done particularly well to triumph against some very strong competition."

The Green Apple Awards campaign was launched in 2000 and is run by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non profit-making body that promotes environmental best practice.

Updated: 12:17 Thursday, May 26, 2005