WOOLSTON Eyes has been nominated as one of the top nature reserves in the country - and officials are appealing for your help in seeing it crowned the winner.

The wildlife haven, situated between the Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal, has been shortlisted by Countryfile magazine as Nature Reserve of the Year.

Whichever nominee gets the most votes will win the title.

Woolston Eyes is run entirely by volunteers, including chairman Brian Ankers.

He said: "We are trying to get as many votes as we can to put us on the map.

"We are not run by paid staff, but totally by volunteers so people put in a lot of hard work.

"Woolston Eyes is so successful now because we have got rare birds that draw people in.

"There are around 186 species recorded in the reserve."

The award shortlist was compiled by presenter and nature expert Chris Packham.

Woolston Eyes is described as 'a post-industrial gem, this oasis in the tangled wreckage of the ‘manscape’ comes complete with beautiful black-necked grebes and a fabulous team of volunteers'.

The four rival reserves nominated are RSPB Minsmere in Suffolk, WWT London Wetland Centre, Martin Down NNR in Wiltshire and The Bass Rock in North Berwick.

To vote for Woolston eyes, go to countryfile.com/article/nature-reserve-year-201415, or e-mail awards@countryfile.com.

Alternatively, send your vote by post to BBC Countryfile Magazine, Tower House, Bristol, BS13BN.

Voting closes on January 31.