Architects and property owners who preserve and enhance historic buildings in Birmingham and the West Midlands could be in line for a new award.

The Victorian Society launched a conservation award for the best work carried out to Victorian and Edwardian buildings at its annual meeting last night.

The society's Birmingham and West Midlands group says it wants to recognise good conservation work, not just criticise when buildings are neglected and damaged.

Chairman of Birmingham Victorian Society Stephen Hartland said: "We want to counter the impression that the society is only involved when things go wrong and buildings are threatened.

"We know that a huge amount of high quality conservation work goes on in Birmingham and the West Midlands. Hopefully, this new conservation award will help draw attention to this good work and the region's architectural gems."

Nominations for the award can be made via the society's website with entries open until the end of the year.

A shortlist will be published and the first winner will be announced at the next annual meeting in February 2016. A bronze plaque will be awarded to the winner.

Conservation projects on buildings originally built, or substantially altered, between 1837 and 1914 can be nominated.

Entries will be judged on the care taken to retain the building's original fabric, conservation of fragile aspects and careful adaptation to meet current needs for re-use of the building.