AN historic building in Tavistock is in the running for several national awards, which were due to be announced in London yesterday (Wednesday).

The former Tavistock North Railway Station has successfully made it through the second round of judging and has been nominated within numerous categories of the National Railway Heritage Awards.

Back in August the railway enthusiast and Antiques Roadshow regular Paul Atterbury visited the station, to assess the restoration and adaption of the former Victorian station.

The Old Station is now three luxury 5 star self-catering cottages and the owners Jenny and Colin Rogers were yesterday hoping to clinch a prestigious prize within the Railway Heritage Trust Conservation Award category.

Paul Atterbury said: 'The saving of what was a very derelict station building and to find a new sympathetic commercial use was a work of dedication. The restoration of the buildings is carried out with a keen eye and skill.

'The interior conversions of the cottages finished in the fashionable contemporary style was extremely well done.

'The huge amount of work by a private individual to bring the whole complex round from a dilapidated station building to a well restored building should not be underestimated.'

Colin Rogers carried out much of the work himself and is thrilled to have received this level of praise from railway professionals. The Station opened as self-catering accommodation in 2008 and shortly afterwards The Station Master's house became home to Jenny and Colin. The house is now also undergoing careful restoration, and is being returned to its former splendour.

Colin said: 'Although the station has been awarded 5 Star Gold by Visit England it would be a great honour to receive recognition from railway experts.'