WARD Homes has scooped the award for Best Regional Housebuilder at the 2004 Building Awards.

The Kent-based housebuilder, part of Wilson Bowden plc, which also owns David Wilson Homes, beat off strong competition from other regional housebuilders to receive the award at a London ceremony.

On presenting the award, the judges commented on the standard of Ward Homes’ whole approach, in particular their significant investment in training and success in minimising defects.

Chris Hatch, managing director of Ward Homes, said: “We are delighted to receive such a highly respected award.

“To be chosen as Best Regional Housebuilder recognises all the hard work and dedication of Ward Homes’ staff and reinforces our reputation as a quality housebuilder in the South East, both in terms of the standard of product and location of our developments.”

Greg Locke, divisional chairman for Ward Homes and David Wilson Homes, added: “Meeting more complex consumer, construction and environmental demands is a growing challenge for housebuilders today, so it is especially rewarding that our commitment to realising these expectations has been acknowledged.

“Ward Homes built over 300 homes on a range of developments across Kent last year. This achievement is a real encouragement for us to make 2004 an equally successful year.”