THE Isle of Wight has been shortlisted as holiday destination of the year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards.

A project to reintroduce white-tailed sea eagles to the Island has also been nominated in the wildlife success of the year category.

The Island won two awards last year — Sandown won best British beach and Bembridge won best village.

Visit Isle of Wight managing director Will Myles said: "We who are lucky enough to live here know the Isle of Wight is an incredible place. There is something for the visitor all year round — fantastic beaches, amazing events, brilliant attractions, and beautiful towns and villages.

"Being recognised as holiday destination of the year by BBC Countryfile Magazine shows what we’ve got here and why we are up there again with all of the destinations in the UK."

Countryfile presenter Tom Heap said: "I see a lot of the country in my job but judging these awards really opened my eyes to further beauty spots and admirable green schemes."

Editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, Fergus Collins, said: "This is probably the strongest line up yet in the eight years we have been running these awards. Our expert judging panel spent many hours honing the contenders and we ended up with shortlists that truly celebrate the best of the British countryside.

"Now it’s the turn of magazine readers and website visitors to vote on the best of the best."

To vote for the Isle of Wight, visit countryfile.awardsplatform.com/entry/vote/vRqdDVJD?category=59073

The deadline is February 28.