Exmoor-based metalwork specialists West Country Blacksmiths has had two projects shortlisted for anatyional award scheme.

They include a range of metalwork for the largescale development of Bittescombe Lodge and Deer Park near Wiveliscombe in Somerset. The metalwork included a pair of automated gates, two pairs of gates, two personnel gates, four balconies, large sections of railings and the main sign for the lodge.

The Galvanizers Association Galvanizing (GAGA) Awards celebrate the innovative use of galvanized steel by architects, engineers, constructors, and artists from all over the UK and has been running for over 20 years, with previous winning projects including The Eden Project and the London Palladium.

As part of the judging process, the clients were asked to share their thoughts on the project and on behalf of Bitterscombe Lodge, Samantha Campbell-Breeden from said: “West Country Blacksmiths are true modern-day artisans: they turned our designs into reality therefore offering a really bespoke service. Their attention to detail, perfectionism and professionalism are without equal in this sector.

“Although they are local to our most recent project, West Country Blacksmiths are world-class in terms of their quality of workmanship, delivery and after sales service. They epitomise metalwork at its absolute best.”

From thousands of entries, 36 projects were shortlisted within six separate categories with two projects from West Country Blacksmiths being shortlisted for the awards alongside projects including Pwlheli Lifeboat Station, The Battersea Roundabout Sculpture and Camden Town Beer Hall. The other project shortlisted was a decorative oak leaf and acorn balustrade for an oak frame extension for a farm in Leighton Buzzard.

West Country Blacksmiths company director Kieren Roberts said, “We are incredibly grateful of the recognition of our work. We are privileged to have an incredibly talented team and together we work extremely hard to produce metalwork to the very best standard regardless of the size and type of project.

“As a small rural based company this type of recognition is vital to helps us share the range of our team are capable of. The support we get from the local community is amazing and our primary focus is to continue serve the community of Somerset, producing the very best possible metalwork service. From small scale repairs or project such as handrails, railings or alike to much larger scale projects.”