THE Malvern Hills have been named among the most beautiful areas of Britain in a national ramblers' magazine.

Country Walking, which is published monthly, asked its readers to nominate their favourite area of outstanding natural beauty.

And the Malvern Hills have reached the final shortlist of eight, along with such well-known beauty spots as Dorset and the Cornish coast.

David Hancock, the Malvern Hills AONB officer, said: "It's not the first time the Malvern Hills have appeared in magazines' lists like this.

"It's a very popular spot for walkers, perhaps because it is one of the smaller AONBs and visitors know where to go.

"It's 100 square kilometres, as opposed to the Cotswolds, which is 2,000 square kilometres, and most people go for the Worcestershire Way and the ridge walk."

Mr Hancock said a recently-completed visitor survey showed the hills attracted 1 million visitors a year.

"This is not very different from the last survey done in 1980, so the Hills seem to be maintaining their popularity. One of the big attractions is the spectacular views you see from the top."

The winner of the AONB competition will be announced by Country Walking in its December issue.