THE FIRM who constructed the new Lyme Regis sea wall has been named the overall winner at the Concrete Society Awards.

Carney Construction took the prize at the longest-running awards scheme in the UK construction industry, now in its 47th year.

Broadcaster Huw Edwards was this year’s guest host, presenting awards to the winners and compering the programme for the evening.

Carney Construction's sea wall preserves the historic Jurassic coastline and links Lyme Regis to coastal footpaths. The 450m-long 8m-high curved seawall was formed of C50 concrete to follow the contours of the coastline.

An exposed aggregate finish to the promenade and other features complete the flowing lines of the sea defence.

Mark Taylor of Carney Construction said, “We are very proud to receive such acclaim from this most prestigious of awards.

"This is our first coastal defence project and many lessons have been learned. Not only have we had to meet the requirements of local events to avoid disruption of seasonal business within Lyme Regis but we have also had to work with both weather and tidal restrictions to optimise output and reduce risk.

"We are privileged to have been a part of this showcase project and big congratulations go out to Rob Carney and the dedicated workforce who made it possible.”

Phase four of the Lyme Regis defence works cost £19.5m - with Defra funding £14.6m towards the scheme, along with £600,000 from West Dorset District Council and £4.27m from Dorset County Council.

A large part of the work took place within the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site as well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation.

A statement from the judging panel, said: “The flowing nature of concrete allows smooth transition of curvature as it follows the shoreline.

"The smooth lines of the varying curvature of the sea wall and the consistency of the appearance of finished concrete fit sympathetically with the coastal surroundings.

“This project stood out for the dual-purpose preservation of both the town and local community but also for the preservation of the Jurassic coast and its World Heritage importance, and its visitors from the global community – at the same time linking them structurally and aesthetically.

"The six-hour window for construction between tides makes this a remarkable feat of engineering.”