ONE of Wyre Forest’s most historic gems has been shortlisted by the BBC’s Countryfile Magazine in a vote to be crowned the number one heritage site in Britain.

Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is one of five famous UK tourist attractions named in the Heritage Site of the Year category of the magazine’s 2014/15 awards, which celebrate the best of the British countryside.

The four other nominees competing with the railway for the award are London’s Imperial War Museum, Georgian estate Kew Palace, Welsh architectural wonder Portmeirion and the mystical, pre-historic stone circle at Avebury.

Welcoming more than 200,000 visitors per year, and having just enjoyed one of its most successful Christmas running seasons on record, SVR is also currently celebrating its 50th year of operation.

Clare Gibbard, marketing and communications manager, said that winning the award would be another huge cause to celebrate during a landmark year.

“We are delighted to be recognised in this way,” she said.

“To be shortlisted alongside some of the really big names in the UK tourism industry really is something for us to be proud of.

“To be nominated in the first place is a huge boost in itself, but to be voted the winner would really be the icing on top of the cake and a fantastic addition to the celebrations in this, our 50th anniversary year.

“So if anyone who has enjoyed their experience with us would like to vote for us, we would be extremely grateful.”

The shortlist was chosen by television presenter Jules Hudson, a recognisable face of many BBC lifestyle and history series including Escape to the Country, Britain’s Empty Homes, Britain’s Heritage Heroes and Countryfile.

Mr Hudson, a life-long history lover, praised SVR’s Heritage Skills Training Academy saying the Railway has a “fantastic conservation element to it, running an apprenticeship scheme for young engineers in order to keep the traditional skills alive”.

He added: “Travelling by steam train is also a wonderful way to see the spectacular surrounding countryside.”

To vote for the award, which closes on January 31, visit countryfile.com/awards2014-15 or email your selection to awards@countryfile.com. The award winners will be announced in the April edition of the magazine.