A SPECIAL place to spend a penny has been given an award for its heavenly architecture.

The new toilet block at St Nicholas Church, in Hedsor, has won the Ibstock Downland Prize for Architects 2006 for the South and South East of England in the historic context section.

Tony Mealing, of Tebbot and Wells Architects, in High Wycombe, was the man responsible for the restroom fit for a reverend.

The WC was chosen because it blended so well with the original listed building without "resorting to pastiche".

Judges went potty over the design. Their report said: "The result is charming, and was completed on budget and on time."

St Nicholas' Church perches on a promontory overlooking the River Thames. It is one of the smallest churches in Buckinghamshire, with parts of the building dating back to the 12th century.

Any new facilities on site were not permitted to interfere with the church's fabric, or to disturb previous burials or archaeological remains.

The potential cost of the facilities and the difficulties of constructing on the sensitive site were restraining - until the parochial church council approached Mr Mealing at Tebbot and Wells. His experience of working on a project at Little Marlow Church made him the right man for the job.

Mr Mealing's designed a disabled toilet which, at his suggestion, is situated immediately opposite the existing west door, the entrance for wheelchairs.

John Rosewarne, the church council's engineer said: "Tony Mealing's design improved the project immeasurably, in terms of both cost and appearance. The congregation had been a little uncertain about the need for a toilet - but everyone really appreciates it now."

The panel of judges from across the country were particularly struck by the profile of this year's entries.

Judge Sean Albuquerque, said: "The majority of entries to the prize are always domestic - new houses, refurbishments and extensions.

"However, among the entries this year were several toilet blocks - three were shortlisted.

"We also received a number of entries of schools, both primary and secondary, which is most encouraging.

"Now is an excellent time to commission smaller public buildings in the south east."