The York Handmade Brick Company, one of the leading independent brickmakers in the country, has won the Best Single House award in the prestigious 2003 Brick Awards, the brick industry's national "Oscars".

York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, in North Yorkshire, won the award for its work on a private house in Chirk, near Wrexham.

Judges for awards, run by the Brick Development Association, said: "This low-energy house is set in a sensitive location on the Welsh border, where it has fine views of the Chirk aqueduct and viaduct. To further moderate its impact, the house is half set below ground, which gives it a single-storey appearance from the front. The rustic effect of the York Handmade Old Clamp bricks provides texture and definition to the structure.

David Armitage, chairman of York Handmade, said: "As one of the leading manufacturers of quality bricks for the burgeoning self build sector, we are delighted to be the winner of this prestigious award. This accolade puts the seal on our reputation as the company which has become synonymous with high-quality homes in this field". York Handmade was also shortlisted in the Best Refurbishment Project category for its work in restoring Myton Bridge, near Boroughbridge, to its former Victorian glory.

This is the second time the company has triumphed in the BDA awards, having won the Supreme Brick Building award for St Brigid's Church, Belfast, in 1995.

The company's success in the 2003 Brick Awards is the climax of a significant year, during which it has celebrated its 15th anniversary by installing a new, state-of-the art kiln, worth £300,000.

Updated: 09:27 Tuesday, November 25, 2003