There is just one week left to vote for Suffolk in one of the country’s most prestigious tourism contests.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Waterfront in Ipswich boasts a number of top bars and eateries. Picture: VISITSUFFOLK.COMThe Waterfront in Ipswich boasts a number of top bars and eateries. Picture: VISITSUFFOLK.COM (Image: � Paul J Coghlin)

The county has made it to the final five in BBC Countryfile Magazine’s Holiday Destination of the Year 2018 – and needs your support to secure a win.

Suffolk is up against the Forest of Bowland, the Pembrokeshire Coast, the Isle of Wight and Speyside, and the public have until midnight on Monday, March 5 to have their say on who takes home the award.

Amanda Bond, from Visit Suffolk, said: “We are delighted to announce Suffolk is one of the nominees for the annual accolade of Holiday Destination of the Year with BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2018.

“We urge the wonderful people of Suffolk to back their county and shout loud and hard through a simple voting mechanism. We certainly stand out positively against this year’s nominees and I think we have a good chance of winning.

East Anglian Daily Times: The beautiful Southwold Pier is popular with tourists young and old. Picture: VISITSUFFOLK.COMThe beautiful Southwold Pier is popular with tourists young and old. Picture: VISITSUFFOLK.COM (Image: Archant)

“Looking at our diverse tourism offering - from Constable Country in the south, the home of horseracing and the Brecks in the west, pretty characterful villages at the heart of Suffolk to the attractive waterfront town of Ipswich and stunning coastline – it’s no wonder we’re in the running; it’s simply charming!”

Colin Noble, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “I am delighted that Suffolk has been nominated for the Holiday Destination of the Year award.

“We have a fantastic visitor offer and the nomination is recognition of the hard work that Visit Suffolk, businesses and councils put in to promoting our county. I would encourage everyone to help us now to win the award by voting for Suffolk.”

Sue Warren, brand and marketing manager for Bury St Edmunds and Beyond said: “It’s fantastic news that Suffolk has been shortlisted for Holiday Destination of the Year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Suffolk is home to the renowned Newmarket Racecourses. Picture: VISITSUFFOLK.COMSuffolk is home to the renowned Newmarket Racecourses. Picture: VISITSUFFOLK.COM (Image: Archant)

“In the Bury St Edmunds area alone there is more than 1,000 years of history to explore, fantastic annual events and festivals, great shopping and award-winning restaurants plus wonderful parks and gardens and the charming wool towns on our doorstep. I’m very pleased that our great county has been recognised in this way.”

Phoebe Smith, one of the judges for the competition, said of the area: “The quieter side of East Anglia has bird reserves, nature reserves, beautiful little villages and the people are incredibly friendly, with honesty boxes where you can get fruit. Wonderfully welcoming.”

You can vote online at www.countryfile.com/bbc-countryfile-magazine-awards-2018.

The winner is set to be announced in mid March.

East Anglian Daily Times: Minsmere Nature Reserve is a hugely popular retreat with wildlife lovers. Picture: RSPB MINSMEREMinsmere Nature Reserve is a hugely popular retreat with wildlife lovers. Picture: RSPB MINSMERE (Image: Archant)