A PROPERTY giant has been presented with a Green Apple' after its fruitful efforts on a Rawtenstall housing project.

Housing firm Hurstwood received the distinction at the International Green Apple Awards, staged annually to reward enviro-mental and architectural prowess.

Their prize, presented by top botanist David Bellamy at a ceremony at the Tower of London, was for their restoration of Leabank Hall, which is part of the country estate, off Newchurch Road.

Trevor Ashworth, the group's residential director, said: "This is the latest in a string of awards the estate has been awarded and we are thrilled it has won national and international recognition.

"We had tremendous assistance from the scheme architect Reid Lewis and his team at RGP in Bury. They were very passionate about keeping the original feel of the building and restoring it to its former glory.

"They are a big part of us winning this award and deserve a large part of the recognition and credit."

The former Victorian mansion, which had been used as a school, was in a poor state of repair before it was renovated.

Eight detached homes were created on the site, including four which emerged out of converting former stable and lodge buildings.