WILLIAM Anelay, the York-based firm of historic building experts, has landed itself the biggest contract in its own 257-year history.

The firm has won a £2.8 million project from Derby City Council to completely restore Derby Arboretum.

The Victorian arboretum was the first-of its kind in the country and spawned dozens of others throughout the nation.

But more recently the buildings and the tree-studded landscape have fallen into disrepair.

William Anelay has begun the initial work of repairing five original buildings and constructing one new building in the centre of the park which will be used as a sports and community facility.

By the end of this year, the landscape will be completely restored to its original layout, including the planting of original tree species which have to be imported because they are no longer available in Britain.

It is the final contract in a series of park projects, including children's play areas and all-weather sports facilities, and once completed the entire restoration venture will have cost Derby Council £5 million.

Charles Anelay, whose relative Thomas Anelay founded the business in 1747, said: "We are delighted, not just because of the challenge and opportunities, but because it demonstrates our ability to tackle large historic projects a long distance away from York, and also our strength as project managers of big schemes.

"We had to work very hard in our bid to explain how we would go about the restoration, which includes the repair of a quirky Victorian lodge, building the sports and community centre and managing an impressive landscaping plan."

William Anelay is riding high after a number of accolades. Last year, it won the Stone Federation Award for its work on St Andrews, Bishopthorpe, and Selby Abbey; and the Civic Trust Award for its work restoring Blackwell Museum in Cumbria.

Updated: 12:02 Tuesday, February 24, 2004