A WORCESTER firm has been recognised with an architecture award for the work repairing a Pirton church.

Nick Joyce Architects won the 2015 King of Prussia Gold Medal for repair and conservation architecture, successfully overcoming tough competition from 18 entries - the highest number for several years.

The firm won the medal for a project to repair the timber framed tower of St Peter’s Church in Pirton.

The awards are for innovative, high quality church conservation and judges particularly recognised it as successful repair work as it overcame a major aesthetic or technical challenge.

The timber frame at the church is one of only five in the county, and is unique for its additional side aisles.

The tower's timber frame was significantly repaired, using traditional construction methods such as Mortice and Tenon joints pegged using hexagonal tapered oak pegs.

One of the major challenges was correcting earlier poor quality repair work where inappropriate materials and techniques had been used.

In their comments, the judges said: "Repairs to a timber-framed tower, an unusual constructional form - this is always a tricky and very challenging type of repair as there are so many aspect to consider.

"Thoroughly done to high standards.”

At the ceremony, Prince Nicholas von Preussen presented Nick Joyce with the medal.

The gold medal was originally a gift from King Frederick William IV of Prussia to the Incorporated Church Building Society, in 1857, after being impressed with British Victorian church architecture.

The medal is held by the winning architect for one year and afterwards a silver replica is provided.

St Peter’s Church also received a £500 winning prize.