Backers of the Cross of Light initiative to illuminate historic Oxford buildings can feel a warm glow of satisfaction this week.

Wesley Memorial Church, one of the buildings where architectural lighting has been introduced, was among the plaque winners at the Oxford Preservation Trust's Environmental Awards.

And the Exeter College spire, another building to be illuminated in the scheme, received a certificate at the awards, which recognises schemes that improve the built and natural environment in and around Oxford.

Former Lord Mayor, Maureen Christian, initially proposed the scheme which won the support of Ian Laing, the former High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, who agreed to fund it.

Judges praised the lighting of Wesley Memorial Church, in New Inn Hall Street, for "making a very special contribution to the character of Oxford at night and contributing to the street scene for pedestrians".

St Giles also figured prominently at the environmental awards, sponsored by Kemp and Kemp.

A new quadrangle at St John's College and the refurbishment of three Grade II listed buildings received a plaque. The project also involved the conversion of a 17th-century barn into an arts centre. Judges said the work had "enlivened a large part of the eastern side of the street".

The restoration of the monument to John Townesend in St Giles' Church won a plaque. Townesend, fittingly, was the first of a great dynasty of builders in 18th-century Oxford.

Major restoration work at St Mary's Church in Garsington was recognised for repairs to the stonework of the Norman Tower and a new lead roof.

Other plaque winners were Oxford University for new railings and gate in the front of the Clarendon Laboratory on Parks Road and to Ridge and Partners for the conversion of listed agricultural buildings into offices at The Cowyards on the Blenheim Estate.

A certificate was awarded for improvement work in Abingdon Market Place carried out by Abingdon Town Council. The project included redesigning the levels of the square and installing new York stone pavements. .

Other certificates were awarded for: two houses at 3a & 3b Larkins Lane in the Old Headington Conservation area; for houses at 5,6 and 7 Beamount Street restored by Worcester College; the refurbishment of balconies at 27 and 28 Beaumont Street by St John's College; and improvements at Barton Underhill Circus by Oxford City Council, Barton Community Association and the local community.

Certificates were also awarded for the new display of historic items at Oxford Town Hall; the new Florence Park Family Centre; Oxford University's Ioannou Centre for Classical & Byzantine Studies building; restoration work at Oxford University Museum of the History of Science; the Penlon Place Sculptures in Abingdon; the restoration to the Theleme, a timber-framed Georgian building in St Aldates; University College's new boathouse, which replaced the original 19th-century boathouse, burnt down in the 1990s; the restoration of a Victorian wall in Middle Way, Oxford; and for the W. Lucy & Co Head Office in Walton Well Road, Oxford.