FOUR prestigious new buildings from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are in the running to scoop an award for architectural excellence.

They have been shortlisted by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South for their 2009 awards.

Among the finalists is the £50m Mountbatten Building at the University of Southampton, which contains a research facility.

Seaglass House on the Isle of Wight is also in the running for its glass pavilion and timberbox bedroom.

Hampshire County Architects have been put forward for the major refurbishment work they carried out on Burnham Copse Primary School in Tadley, near Basingstoke.

Also in the running is local firm Architecture and Design Services for their work with Hampshire County Council in designing Everest Community College, Basingstoke.

The winners will be announced next Thursday.