TWO of the district's landmarks have scored well in a national poll to discover the country's favourite buildings.

Morecambe's Midland Hotel (pictured) and the Ashton Memorial in Lancaster's Williamson Park have been placed in the top 50 of the British Buildings of the 20th century poll conducted by Channel 4 and English Heritage.

The poll to discover the nation's favourite modern building of the last 100 years was launched in June and every style of building was eligible.

Coming in at joint 29th, the art deco Midland Hotel scored as many votes as Wembley Stadium.

Further down the poll, Ashton Memorial came in at joint 49th alongside Cambridge University. The winner was Coventry Cathedral with Liverpool's Catholic Cathedral coming second. Tourism chairman, Cllr June Ashworth, said: "I'm delighted that both our local landmark buildings are up there at the top. Architecturally, they are both beautiful buildings and attract lots of tourists to the area. The Ashton Memorial is like a mini Taj Mahal with outstanding views across the Bay and the Midland Hotel is a magnificent building and one of the most important art deco buildings in the country. Let's hope this latest publicity will attract a buyer and we'll see the hotel restored to its former glory soon."

Camilla Deakin of Channel 4 said: "The public response to our poll exceeded expectations and the list of nominated buildings reveals a really interesting range of architectural styles and uses, ranging from cathedrals and civic buildings to offices and private homes. I'm delighted how passionate the British are abou this."

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