A major repair project to one of south Shropshire finest historic buildings has been shortlisted for a property industry prize.

The repair and conservation of Stokesay Castle’s timber-framed gatehouse has been entered into the building conservation category of the RICS awards 2011.

The project at the castle, near Ludlow, involved extensive repair and restoration work to the original building structure, which dates from 1640.

It concluded with painting the repaired plasterwork in Stokesay yellow.

The RICS Awards consist of four categories — building conservation, regeneration, sustainability and community benefit. There are 26 entries from the West Midlands.

Martin Perks, RICS West Midlands regional chairman, said: “These awards are hotly contested each year and 2011 has once again seen a particularly strong showing of entries from surveyors and property professionals across the region.

“The awards are a tremendous endorsement of the work of all those involved in bringing the projects to life.”

The RICS said that the awards celebrate the best new projects in the built environment and the 2011 winners will join a long line of inspirational schemes.

The projects will now compete in a regional heat with the best entrants then forming the shortlist for the national grand final awards in London in October.

The regional winners will be announced in May at the West Midland construction and awards dinner.