TWO Isle of Wight sheds are vying for 'eternal shed glory' in a national competition.

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The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-inspired “inventor’s workshop” of Nicholas Pointing, of Sandown, and an Away With the Fairies entry by Diane Goring, of Newport, have made it to the final.

They were among this year’s 331 Shed of the Year entrants, all hoping for the title of Cuprinol Shed of the Year.

The hundreds of entries were whittled down to a shortlist of 22 over nine categories, with the winners decided by a public vote. Voting opened today (Wednesday) and will close on July 12.

Isle of Wight County Press: Cuprinol Shed of the Year workshop/studio category: Nicholas Pointing with his entry Chitty Inventor's Workshop, in Sandown.

Cuprinol Shed of the Year finalist Nicholas Pointing (Chitty Inventor's Workshop). 

Isle of Wight County Press: Cuprinol Shed of the Year unexpected/unique category: Diane Goring's entry Away with the Fairies shed, in Newport.

Isle of Wight County Press: Cuprinol Shed of the Year unexpected/unique category: Diane Goring in her entry Away with the Fairies shed, in Newport.

Nicholas built a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-inspired shed, as he wanted a space to construct a replica of the film’s car for his wife.

The car is often seen at Island events and was used to promote the Island Savoyards' Chitty Chitty Bang Bang show at Shanklin Theatre in 2019.

Diane's shed is a sanctuary to enjoy arts and crafts as a respite from her role as an older persons nurse consultant.

Other finalists include specialist bra-fitter Joanna van Blommestein, who built lingerie boutique Bra Boss in her summerhouse, and influencer Danielle Zarb-Cousin, with her 1970s-inspired Creme de Menthe bar in her parents’ garden, which she created after going through a break-up.

Isle of Wight County Press: Cuprinol Shed of the Year workshop/studio category: Nicholas Pointing with his entry Chitty Inventor's Workshop, in Sandown.

The overall winner will receive £1,000, a plaque, £100 worth of Cuprinol products and “eternal shed glory”, say organisers.

Andrew Wilcox, head judge and founder of the competition, said: “The past year has been an incredibly challenging time for all of us and, now more than ever, we’re aware of how important the humble shed can be.

“Sheds are not just unloved, brown structures at the bottom of the garden that house tools and household junk – they are vital spaces where you can go to relax, work on a project or burn off some steam.

“The high-calibre entries this year really prove why we set up the competition in the first place – to highlight the valuable role sheds can play in our lives, in our businesses and the positive impact they have on our wellbeing.”