An unusual terminal at Gatwick has won an award 66 years after it was built.

The historic building, known as the Beehive, was opened in 1936 and was Gatwick's first terminal and the world's first circular airport building.

One of the oldest airport terminal buildings still standing today, it was not listed until 1996.

However, last month it was given a top award by the Association for Industrial Archaeology at a ceremony in Liverpool.

Handed out biannually, the award recognises buildings that have changed their use but retain original architectural and structural character.

Apart from its circular design, the Beehive had other features that were novel for the time.

It was linked to a nearby railway station by an underground tunnel and had telescopic canopies that radiated out to the steps of the aircraft.

The art deco design also offered passengers a level of comfort never seen before.

Its use as a passenger terminal lasted just one year as the airport flooded in the winter of 1937.

However, when it was Grade II listed, owner BAA decided to restore it to its former glory.

A total of £2 million was spent and it reopened in the autumn of 2000 as the headquarters of GB Airways, British Airways franchise operator.