Two Cumbrian building firms will represent the North West at a national awards final later this year.

Last night, Cannon Building Contractors, of Kendal, and JC Building Services, of Millom, scooped wins at the regional finals of the Master Builder Awards.

Organised by the Federation of Master Builders, the awards are now in their 20th year and celebrate high quality workmanship by SMEs in the construction sector.

Each project entered by the builder must be supported by the customer.

Cannon Building Contractors won the New Home category.

It was for work they carried out on a house in Milnthorpe.

Judges said: " The home plays homage to its stunning surroundings with subtle and sympathetic design using locally sourced materials.

"One of the standout features of this new-build bungalow is the eye-catching roof made of blue grey Celtic grade Welsh slate, while the rest of the property is clad in stone sourced from a nearby quarry." Judges added they were impressed by the thought taken in making sure the home not only profited from rural views but took into consideration the views for the rest of the villagers.

The firm spoke to neighbours before the build to work out how best to manage disruption.

JC Building Services scooped the Medium Renovation title.

It worked on a farmhouse, transforming a barn connected to the house into a living/kitchen space. Judges praised the team for the use of reclaimed stone and timber from the surrounding area.

They said: "This not only met the client’s expectations but also delivered a project that paid homage to the location’s natural beauty, while seamlessly meeting the needs of modern living."

Caroline Meehan, Director of FMB North, said: “Cannon Building Contractors and JC Building Services should feel justly proud of their achievements in winning and we wish the firms every success in the national competition.”

The firms were presented with their regional awards in Manchester and the national finals take place at the Intercontinental Hotel in London on September 20.