The entry deadline for the Second Hong Kong Heritage Awards has been extended to January 31, to allow interested parties to prepare their entries.

Jointly organised by the Antiquities Advisory Board and the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the Heritage Awards aim to recognise people and groups for their commendable achievements in heritage conservation and education.

There are two awards classes.

The "Heritage Preservation & Conservation Awards" are to commend local community organisations, companies and institutions for significant achievements in the following areas of work:

* craftsmanship of restoration, creative restoration project;

* co-operation among different parties on the restoration project;

* creative and effective re-development of historical buildings;

* preserving regional historical landmarks in Hong Kong;

* arranging appropriate adaptive re-use of historical buildings; and

* conserving the historical environment of heritage sites.

Education, publicity awards details 

The "Heritage Education & Publicity Awards" are divided into the Community Category and School Category.

Awards for community groups will be given to those who have significant achievements in the following areas:

* promotion of heritage research or publicity project;

* organising large-scale events on heritage preservation;

* opening up historical buildings with historical value to the public;

* providing sponsorships for major restoration projects or education programmes;

* donation of private land or property for heritage conservation causes;

* commendable efforts in the promotion of heritage or heritage tourism; and

*providing visitor facilities at heritage sites.

For the School Category, awards will be given to those who:

* excel in the design and promotion of heritage preservation curriculum;

* create audio visual programmes on heritage preservation;

* develop heritage tourism projects;

* plan and promote heritage trails; and

* conduct heritage preservation research projects.

All non-governmental organisations, community organisations, companies and non-profit-making institutions in Hong Kong are eligible to submit entries for the "Heritage Preservation & Conservation Awards" and the Community Category of "Heritage Education & Publicity Awards".

All universities or tertiary institutions, secondary schools, primary schools or similar education institutions in Hong Kong are eligible to submit entries for the School Category of "Heritage Education & Publicity Awards".

12 awards to be handed out in mid-2005

Participating organisations are eligible for only one entry. The projects submitted must either be started or completed between January 1, 2000, and December 30, 2004.

There will be one honour award and five merit awards for each category. The winners will be awarded a trophy. The judging panel is made up of local and overseas professionals and scholars. The results will be announced in mid-2005 and winners will be notified individually.

Application forms are now available at the Antiquities & Monuments Office, Home Affairs Department Enquiry Services Centres in the 18 districts, the Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Central Library, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, Tsuen Wan City Hall, Sha Tin City Hall, Kwai Tsing Theatre and Yuen Long Theatre. The form can also be downloaded here.