A Minster beach hut narrowly missed out on a nationwide award.

Helen Upward’s stilted, seaside abode situated along the Leas, was one of 11 which made the shortlist for the Beach Hut of the Year competition run by Towergate Insurance.

The 60-year-old, who spent £500 tastefully decorating it inside and out, decided to enter the contest at the 11th hour.

After making it through to the finals it went to an online public vote for the top three to be decided.

The overall winner, chosen by a panel chaired by Phil Spencer, presenter of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location, was announced last Friday as ‘Betty’, of Mersea Island, Essex, owned by Jane Ashmore.

Mrs Upward, of Sexburga Drive, Minster, said: “I was fine about not winning. I hadn’t taken very good photos and it wasn’t quite finished at that point either.

“I’m just glad that Sheppey, Minster Leas and the huts got a mention. That’s good enough for me.”