Tenby’s Mayor has urged members of the public to get behind the resort and vote the town as ‘Heritage Site of the Year’ in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2017.

Now in their sixth year, the awards are a celebration of the British countryside and its people, from great heritage attractions and favourite holiday destinations to the best nature reserves and the finest rural pubs.

Tenby has been nominated in the ‘Heritage Site of the Year’ by best-selling American author and travel writer Bill Bryson, who wrote about the town in his recent book ‘The Road to Little Dribbling’, describing the resort as ‘exquisite’ with ‘gorgeous views’.

“When I first came to Britain 40 years ago, the country’s seaside resorts were thriving, but now all too many wear an air of abandonment and decline. Tenby is a glorious exception.

“It is the quintessential old-fashioned seaside resort, with pretty pastel-coloured buildings, cheery cafés, sprawling beaches and stunning views. Perfection,” said Bryson on his nomination.

Speaking at Tuesday night’s meeting of the town council, the Mayor, Clr. Laurence Blackhall encouraged people to continue to vote for Tenby, with voting due to close on Tuesday, February 28.

Members of the public can vote for their favourites either online on the BBC Countryfile Magazine website at www.countryfile.com/awards or via post using the form in the February issue of the magazine, sending entries to BBC Countryfile Magazine, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol, BS1 3BN.

The winners will be announced in an online ceremony mid-March and will appear in the May issue of the magazine, on sale April 7.