THE Bowes Museum has received a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors North-East Renaissance Award.

The top award in the building conservation category follows major renovations, including recent extensive conservation work on the roof to make it weatherproof.

Matt Leng, head of business and operations at the museum, said: “It is a reward for all the staff who have worked tirelessly to raise funding, plan the logistics of the work and maintain public access throughout the programme.

The museum is grateful to all its funders, who have contributed so generously, and to the public, who have responded enthusiastically to the improvements.”

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Newcastle.

The Barnard Castle museum has also created a reading room at the top of the building and a new silver and metals gallery. The entrance area, shop and café were improved under an earlier phase of the development.