THE Lord Mayor of York is calling upon budding designers to hand in their entries for the York Design Awards 2008.

Following their successful launch last year, the awards ceremony is here again and the final call is now being made for entries for the best designed new buildings and developments in York.

The aim of the awards is to promote excellence in conservation and outstanding, distinctive contemporary design, striving for the highest standard of design in 21st-century developments which will contribute to York's heritage.

There are four categories:

* New build, which includes residential, commercial and public buildings* Conservation* Conversion/re-use* Public space and landscape.

A special accolade has also been introduced for this year. The Lord Mayor's Award, which is sponsored by the York Property Forum, will see Coun Irene Waudby pick an overall winner.

There will be an award in each category, and applications for projects of all sizes will be considered. The closing date for applications has been extended to February 15.

The York Design Awards are open to all developments within the City of York Council boundary that were completed between January 1 and December 31, 2007.

Originally launched last year by the then Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Hopton, Coun Waudby is now honorary president of the awards for her term of office.

Coun Waudby said: "I am thrilled to be part of these prestigious awards, which I hope will encourage architects, designers, builders and their clients to strive for high standards of design for York's buildings to help preserve and enhance our heritage.

"The message now is clear: make sure you don't miss the deadline."

An independent judging panel, with expertise in architecture, planning, sustainability and conservation, will be chaired by architecture writer and critic Ken Powell, secretary of the architectural association.

Application forms and further details are available from the website www.york-design-awards.co.uk or from the council's City Strategy department reception at 9 St Leonard's Place, York, or from the reception at the Guildhall, in York.

Winners of the awards will be announced at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall on May 15.