HUNTINGDONSHIRE S foremost interior designer has become only the second person in Britain to receive an Award of Merit from the British Interior Design Association. Christopher Vane Percy, who owns picturesque 18th century Island Hall, in Godmanchester, a

HUNTINGDONSHIRE'S foremost interior designer has become only the second person in Britain to receive an Award of Merit from the British Interior Design Association.

Christopher Vane Percy, who owns picturesque 18th century Island Hall, in Godmanchester, and has extensively restored its interior, accepted the award at a special ceremony in London.

The award is for designers whose work is not only of a very high standard but who has also contributed in a wider sense, through voluntary, charitable or academic work, to the raising of standards in the industry and to the BIDA. Recipients of the award are nominated by the 700 fellow professional, associate and corporate BIDA members.

Mr Vane Percy, a former association chairman, said: "I had hoped to receive the award at some stage in recognition of the charity work and professional mentoring I have been doing for a number of years, but I didn't expect it to happen until I was about 90.

"You do it because you enjoy it, but it's nice also to be appreciated."

Diana Yakeley, past chairman of the BIDA, explained: "Christopher Vane Percy is a very well deserved recipient of the BIDA Merit Award. Christopher ticks all the boxes. Not only is he a wonderful designer, having worked on such important interiors such as the Garrick Club, Trinity House and the Connaught, but he has been a major influence in the life of the BIDA.

"The stunning restoration of his own home, Island Hall, has won conservation awards for the amazing Chinese bridge, and Island Hall is a member of the Historic Houses Association, and very favourably mentioned in England's 1,000 best houses book by Simon Jenkins.

"Christopher has also written a highly collectable book on Lalique, co-operated with fashion Designer Zandra Rhodes on fabric collections, and epitomises all that an interior designer should be - elegant, urbane, knowledgeable and diplomatic. With such impeccable credentials one might be surprised to learn that Christopher is a devoted family man and a practical hands-on gardener."

Mr Vane Percy said his company's work at the Garrick - where he has been re-designed a room a year for a decade - was due to continue for a further 18 months.

After starting his career with Aspreys, he formed his own company, CVP Designs, in 1971. He recently moved his headquarters from Mayfair to a former Victorian dairy in north Kensington that he bought and converted into business and residential premises.

CONTACT: Christopher Vane Percy is at CVP Designs Ltd, The Old Dairy, 7 Hewer Street, London W10 6DU. Tel: 020 8960 9026; fax: 020 8969 3589; e-mail cvp@cvpdesigns.com.