BIRKENHEAD Priory has been shortlisted at this year's Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards - but needs Globe readers help.

Shortlisted for the 'Hidden Gem' award - a new category for this year's event - the public were asked to nominate their favourite 'must see' place in Merseyside.

Nominations could have been for anything from a tucked away bar, restaurant, attraction, tour or natural asset as long as it was off the main tourist trail.

The aim of the award is to find the region's best kept secret.

With more than 400 nominations a list was drawn up by award judges and Birkenhead Priory was listed as the only Wirral entry.

As the oldest standing building in the city region, Birkenhead Priory comprises of a chapel, museum and refectory.

Other 'hidden gems' shortlisted include; Bluecoat Gardens, Hobo Kiosk, Friends of Williamson Tunnels, Red Brick Hangar and St Peters Church in Woolton.

Now the public have just three weeks to vote for their favourite best kept secret.

Aiming to recognise 'excellence' across the city region's tourism and hospitality industry, the awards will take place at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral on May 16, 2019.

This year there are 17 categories covering the whole industry including Hotel of the Year, Entertainment Venue of the Year and Best Newcomer.

The 'Taste' category has now been split into Restaurant of the Year and Cafe of the Year.

Sponsoring the 'Hidden Gem' category is Marketing Liverpool, director Chris Brown said: "We are delighted to again be a part of these prestigious awards.

"This category has given people a chance to champion their own favourite tourism asset and put the spotlight on something a little more unusual across our city region.”

Now the public have just three weeks to vote for their favourite best kept secret.

To vote for Birkenhead Priory please visit www.liverpoollep.org/awards-landing-page/hidden-gem/