SEVERN Valley Railway is on the fast track to yet another major award.

It has been shortlisted as one of the UK’s top historic gems by the BBC’s Countryfile Magazine and now needs a public vote to be crowned the number one Heritage Site in Britain.

The SVR is one of five famous UK tourist attractions shortlisted in the Heritage Site of the Year category of the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2014/15, which celebrate the best of the British countryside. The heritage railway, which is currently celebrating its golden jubilee, sits alongside some of the UK’s most famous tourism hotspots, including London’s Imperial War Museum, Georgian estate Kew Palace, Welsh architectural wonder Portmeirion and the mystical, pre-historic stone circle at Avebury, which are all in the running for the award.

Its marketing and communications manager Clare Gibbard said: "We are delighted to be recognised in this way and 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 Countryfile shortlist was chosen by television presenter Jules Hudson. A life-long history lover, he praised the SVR’s heritage skills training academy, one of a range of projects funded by the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust, adding: "The Railway has a fantastic conservation element to it, running an apprenticeship scheme for young engineers in order to keep the traditional skills alive. Travelling by steam train is also a wonderful way to see the spectacular surrounding countryside.”

The awards cover 12 categories, nominated by experts in their field, including Beach of the Year, Landmark of the Year, Rural Pub of the Year and Greatest National Park. Voting closes on January 31, with winners announced in the April edition of the magazine. To vote, visit http://www.countryfile.com/awards2014-15 or send an email with your selections to awards@countryfile.com