TOURISM bosses in south Wiltshire expressed delight this week after Stonehenge came out top in a nationwide poll of Britain's best historic sites.

The result of the major TV and website survey, by the UKTV History Channel, was welcomed by Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism Partnership chairman, Mary Webb: "This is confirmation that Stonehenge is Britain's favourite visitor destination," she said.

"The stones have fascinated people for thousands of years, and continual archaeological discoveries in the landscape around the site make the megalith as captivating and intriguing as ever.

"Having Britain's favourite historic attraction in the area will boost tourism to Salisbury and south Wiltshire - welcome news for members of our Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism Partnership."

The final result was revealed by TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh in a special programme. Stonehenge came in ahead of such attractions as HMS Victory, Liverpool Cathedral, Hadrian's Wall and York Minster in the rankings compiled by the History Channel's Britain's Best show.

More than 600,000 votes were received via the web, red button, post, phone and SMS over the past six months, and Stonehenge received 15 per cent of the overall votes - making it Britain's Best.

English Heritage, which manages Stonehenge, has thanked viewers for voting in the poll. They believe the summer features and poll has encouraged the public to visit and appreciate the wonderful array of heritage sites Britain has to offer.

It hopes the survey results will further strengthen the case to improve visitor facilities at Stonehenge.

Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism plan to use the news to highlight the heritage of the area and encourage visitors to Stonehenge to discover the other nearby attractions and book short breaks in Salisbury and the surrounding countryside.