A Wirral MEP has been shortlisted to win a prestigious award for his services to the environment.

Liberal Democrat Chris Davies has been nominated to become a Parliamentarian of the Year for his work in promoting reform of Europe's common fisheries policy.

All 766 MEPs will now vote to select the winners in each category who will be presented by The Parliament magazine with their awards at a ceremony in Brussels next month.

Mr Davies has led the 85 strong European Liberal Democrat group on the EU Parliament Environment committee since he was elected in 1999.

He has been described by the Worldwide Fund for Nature as one of the ‘most influential’ MEPs for building coalitions in support of measures to protect the environment.

The MEP formed a cross-party campaign group, "Fish for the Future", which helped to secure the votes of 502 MEPs in favour of ambitious reform.

The new fisheries policy is already being credited with helping to rebuild Europe's depleted fish stocks.

A ban on the discard of fish will be phased in from next year.