THE firm of architects behind Swindon's new National Trust headquarters has been voted the best practice in Britain.

Feilden Clegg Bradley was given the best firm accolade at the inaugural Architect Of The Year awards, which were organised by trade magazine Building Design.

Channel 4 news anchorman Jon Snow, who hosted the awards, said Feilden Clegg Bradley had become a major force in British architecture.

"Their architecture cannot be stylistically pigeon-holed, but exudes a certain Britishness well-crafted, contextural, respectful and gentle on the eye," he said.

"They have been environmentally conscious right from the start, way before it was expedient to be green."

Feilden Clegg Bradley has been working in the south west for 30 years and is based in Bath.

The new National Trust office will house up to 470 staff in 76,500 sq ft of office near the Steam Museum, off Kemble Drive.

The building is well underway and is due to be completed later this year.