THE brains behind the best new buildings in Tendring have picked up prestigious gongs.

The winners of this year's Tendring Design Awards were presented with their prizes by council planning boss Carlo Guglielmi.

An affordable housing scheme in Thorrington came top in its class, while Brightlingsea's Dong Energy building was the best commercial property.

A house in Moverons Lane, Brightlingsea, scooped the prize for a private residential property.