IN PICTURES: Northern Ireland shed in the running for top prize

It was made by Trevor Carswell, a 54-year-old contractor from Gilford, who is now through to the finals of the 2020 Cuprinol Shed Of The Year competition.

He said: “The Cosy Cabin was built using salvaged items and most of the objects inside are keepsake memoirs collected over the years. The cabin displays my children’s first pair of welly boots and primary school paintings, family photos, travel souvenirs and antiques from bygone days. For me, this makes the space quite sentimental and a special place to spend time with friends and family.

“As an avid outdoor family we have always appreciated our garden, but have felt particularly fortunate to have this space to enjoy during lockdown. The shed has been used as a place to relax and unwind during these uncertain times. It has provided the perfect backdrop for family barbecues, nights by the fire and a cosy getaway during the long unprecedented days.”

Trevor’s Cosy Cabin is one of three on the shortlist in the ‘Nature’s Haven’ category.

The competition sees 27 competitors battling for the crown across nine categories. A winner from each will be decided by public vote, then an overall winner will be crowned by a panel of shed experts with a giant golden crown for the winning shed.

Alongside eternal shed glory, the overall winner will also receive £1,000, a plaque and £100 of Cuprinol products.

Head judge and founder of the competition Andrew Wilcox said: “More than ever, the events of recent months have shown us what a valuable role sheds can play in our lives.

“They are spaces where we can help our NHS heroes, educate our children and care for our family.

“They highlight all that is great about Britain – our ingenuity, our eccentricity and our determination to help others.”

Kirsty Woodbine, marketing manager for Cuprinol, said: ”We’ve been astonished by the quality of entries to this year’s competition.

“All our entrants have responded with real creativity and imagination, but more than that the introduction of this year’s new lockdown categories has shown a real outpouring of kindness and community spirit. This year more than ever Cuprinol Shed of the Year has served as a platform for those going above and beyond for each other.”

Last year’s Cuprinol Shed Of The Year was won by Chris Shield of Buxton, Derbyshire, for his Hobbit-inspired hideaway.

Public voting is now under way for the 14th annual competition and will close on Sunday, August 9.

Cast your vote at www.readersheds.co.uk