A PROJECT to restore a medieval monument on The Lizard has earned Cornwall county council's environment and heritage service a prestigious national award.

Preservation work carried out at St Ruan's Well, in Grade-Ruan parish, was recognised by independent environmental group The Green Organisation in its National Civic Pride Awards 2004.

The county council won a Silver Award for the project in recognition of its "outstanding contribution towards protecting, preserving and enhancing the built environment".

A second Silver Award was earned by the council for improvement works carried out on the Levant tunnel and shaft at St Just, in Penwith.

The restoration of St Ruan's Well was carried out in conjunction with Grade-Ruan parish council, local craftsmen, archaeologists and historic building experts.

Of medieval origin, the monument became a place of local note in the 19th century and features in various early books and guides to Cornwall and The Lizard.

Despite its significance, the building, which houses a spring of pure water, had been neglected for many years and was in an extremely poor state. Brambles rooting in the walls had loosened the stone work and the well had become overgrown and inaccessible.

Work aimed at reversing the rapid deterioration of the monument began in May 2000. Drainage, scrub clearance, re-setting the well's serpentine stone roof and re-pointing the walls were among the tasks completed.

The landowner allowed the well to be enclosed from the surrounding field and the parish council now maintains the site for the enjoyment of visitors.

Council clerk Geoff Wolstencroft said: "The parish council recognises the importance of the site both locally and nationally. We are delighted that restoration work was carried out on the monument and we are even more delighted that that hard work has been repaid with a prize. The parish council has now made a commitment to maintain the monument in good condition."

Ann Preston-Jones, senior archaeologist from the environment and heritage service, said: "It was great to have the opportunity to restore a scheduled monument which was in such a sad state of disrepair and bring it back to its former glory, so that it can once again be enjoyed by residents and visitors. The fact that we have won an award for all our hard work is the icing on the cake."