AVEBURY has been shortlisted as Heritage Site of the Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine awards 2014/15.

Well known for its henge, which is cared for by the National Trust, Avebury was chosen against some strong competition for the awards shortlist.

Now the poll has been opened up for people to vote for their favourite places.

Eleanor Eaton, visitor services manager for the National Trust at Avebury said: “We're up against some special places, including Portmeirion village in North Wales, and Kew Palace in Surrey, so we would be really grateful if people who share our love of Avebury were to take the time to vote for it before 31 January.

“This has been a special place for thousands of years, long before it was chosen as the site of the henge and it still clearly inspires people today.”

Now in its fourth year, the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards celebrate the UK countryside and its people, from great heritage attractions and favourite holiday destinations to the best nature reserves and the finest rural pubs.

Avebury was nominated by Countryfile presenter, Jules Hudson, who said in his nomination that although the stone circle is often overlooked by Stonehenge, it is more readily accessible.

He said: “You can marvel at a prehistoric world that’s as mysterious as it is beautiful and explore the wider landscape and component sites such as the Sanctuary and West Kennet long barrow.”

The awards which feature 12 categories, including rural pub and garden of the year, were launched in the January edition of the magazine.

To whittle down the contenders, BBC Countryfile Magazine asked experts in each field to draw up shortlists of candidates in each category.

To vote for your countryside favourites email awards@countryfile.com or go on the BBC Countryfile Magazine website at http://www.countryfile.com/awards2014-15 More information about Avebury is available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury