TWO of Hexham’s new community property projects have been shortlisted for a prestigious industry accolade.

The annual Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards North-East recognise exemplary build projects which have made a positive contribution to their areas.

Hexham Priory School has been shortlisted for the community benefit award thanks to a new £1.1m extension.

The new space, which was opened in October last year, was built to increase capacity at the school and provide an all-through education to sixth form age.

The Northumberland County Council funded project has provided an additional three classrooms and extra learning spaces for students with complex learning difficulties.

Meanwhile, Hexham Community Fire Station is in the running for the infrastructure award.

The facility, on the same site as Hexham General Hospital, replaces the former fire station at the Tyne Mills Industrial Estate which was flooded during Storm Desmond in December 2015.

The £2.2m station provides a base for two fire appliances to serve Hexham and the surrounding areas, along with a swift water rescue unit and a new training facility, in the heart of the town centre.

Those shortlisted for category awards will automatically be considered for the overall North-East Project of the Year title, presented to the scheme which demonstrates “overall outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment,” while adding value to its local area.

Regional winners will be announced at a ceremony in Newcastle on April 26. All category winners will go on to compete at the national RICS Awards grand final later this year, for the chance to be crowned the overall UK winner.