MALMESBURY builder Kevin Heal has been named as one of the best builders site managers in the south west.

Mr Heal, 46, of Marsh Farm, Crudwell Road, was one of 16 regional site managers selected last month for a seal of excellence award from the National House Building Council.

The award forms part of the council's pride in the job campaign which is aimed at encouraging quality in the construction of new houses and the constant improvement of standards.

Mr Heal, who works for the Malmesbury building firm, A C Nurden Ltd, won the award for managing the company's development at the Old Ford Garage site, in Corston.

The development comprises 17 new houses and A C Nurden hopes to complete the project by the end of the year.

Mr Heal was chosen as a winner in the small builders category which covers firms not affiliated to any group of companies, and which produce fewer than 30 homes a year.

Mr Heal said: "I'm very proud of the award. The south west is a massive region stretching from the M5 to Cornwall and the Isle of White, so it is a great honour."

Commenting on the Old Ford Garage development, he said: "Our attention to detail was far above average. We have a great team of craftsmen."

Mr Heal will now compete in the building council's national competition in London in January to find the best site managers in the UK.

The council is the independent regulator for the UK house-building industry.

It was created to raise the construction standard of new homes and promote good building practise.

The council's regional director for the South West, Paul Bamford, said: "To win at this stage of the competition a site manager has to demonstrate care and skills which go that extra mile."

"This year's winners have shown commitment to excellence and outstanding dedication and team management."