A BUILDING business which recently had more than £24,000 worth of equipment stolen has seen its luck change after scooping a top development prize at a regional ceremony.

Derek Mason Developments, based in Sible Hedingham, had three expensive dumpers stolen from various sites within six months, but has now won the Best Small New Housing Development at the Local Authority Building Control Awards in Norwich.

The company’s triumph came after fending off entries from Cambridge, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk with the work it produced on Burlington House in Suffolk.

Each submission is rated on its project’s aesthetics, sustainability, performance and special working relationships and, as a result of impressing in all those categories, Derek Mason Developments has now been entered into the National Awards.

Derek Mason’s business partner Rob and contracts manager James were presented with a physical accolade and two certificates at the recent bash.

Rob said: “It was a surprise but a wonderful achievement for everyone involved within the company to win first prize for the best Small New House Development.”