LANCASTRIANS have spoken of their shock after the county failed to make the top 10 in a national poll of the most beautiful corners of the UK.

Cornwall topped the running, in a vote compiled by Sykes Cottages, with Yorkshire coming a close second and northern neighbour Cumbria ranked third.

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But loyal supporters have heartily disagreed with the survey, which saw only 1.6 per cent of those asked rate Lancashire highly.

Simon Entwistle, who runs coach trips and ghost walks across East Lancashire, said: “I’m quite surprised by this but it’s typical of what we face around here.

“I’m a member of the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Association and I’ve been invited down to London’s Docklands before now, where I tried in vain to convince them how beautiful the Hodder Valley was.

“If you have sights like Slaidburn, Newton-by-Bowland and Dunsop Bridge, you could drop them into the Lake District and they would not like out of place.

“Townley Hall is an absolute gem and when I do tours there, and Samlesbury Hall, people are always impressed.

“Lancashire has an awful lot to give and I know one thing - if there was a competiton for the friendliest county then we would win hands down.”

Even the likes of Beatherder and Cloudspotting music festivals have a role to play in attracting people to the area.

Ruth Connor, the chief executive of Visit Lancashire, added: “If you are looking for a holiday, a short break or a day out with family or friends, then Lancashire has something for everyone.

“From the excitement of stepping out onto the Walk of Faith at the top of Blackpool Tower to walking, cycling or sailing in breathtaking beauty spots, living it up at a fantastic festival or tucking into a delicious afternoon tea or dinner with a spectacular view, you’re sure to discover why life feels good in Lancashire.”