THERE was an unusual winner of the top award at this year's Charles Burr awards, given annually by Bexley Civic Society.

The awards mark significant or good work in the borough and are made in memory of a long-standing member and supporter of the society.

This year's winner was the sometimes controversial Living Churchyard project at St Paulinus Church, Manor Road, Crayford.

The churchyard, now closed to burials, is cared for by volunteers with the aim of encouraging and conserving the graveyard's diverse flora and fauna.

The award was accepted by the church's rector the Rev Anthony Lane.

There was a special commendation award for Gary Drostle, from Thamesmead, for his mural of Thames barges which he was commissioned to paint on the side of the White Hart pub in Erith High Street, as part of the town's public art scheme.

The awards were presented by Bexley's outgoing mayor John Shepheard.

The meeting ended with a talk by Malcolm Youngs of Friends of the Red House.

He has done extensive research on the prosperous Victorian and Edwardian families who lived in Red House, built for artist and socialist William Morris, including the first woman councillor in Bexley.

He would like to hear from anyone who has memories of the house, in Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, when it was occupied by the National Assistance Board during the Second World War.

Call Mr Youngs on 020 8300 1180.