A POPULAR Isle of Wight seaside landmark has won second prize in a national vote.

The open-air paddling pool on Ventnor Esplanade received the silver award for achieving its place on the Seaside Heritage Network's Bucket and Spade List of top ten favourite seaside places, at a celebration event held at The Plaza Cinema, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, on Monday (September 16).

The historic attraction — a shallow pool with an Isle of Wight shaped feature at its hub — was surpassed only by the New Palace and Adventureland at New Brighton, Merseyside.

Ventnor Town Council, guardian of the beloved site, was delighted with the national achievement.

(Image: Contributions) A welcome dip of the feet in shallow waters while walking around a miniature version of the Island, the Ventnor paddling pool is a holiday must for many.

Ventnor's mayor, Cllr Steve Cooper, appreciated the public's votes in the process.

"Ventnor Town Council was delighted to take part in the competition and very humbled, but proud, our seafront paddling pool achieved the runner-up spot," he said.

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"It is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike of all ages, so to be recognised is to say thank you to all who maintain and keep the asset looking so bright and welcoming."

Many voters left comments expressing why they thought the paddling pool — believed to have been built in the 1940s — deserved recognition.

Among these were testimonies of personal recollections and the impact on the local area.

The Seaside Heritage Network aims to salute unique seaside heritage contributions to British life and their importance in continuing the legacy.

Dr Kathryn Ferry, a founder member of the Seaside Heritage Network, emphasised the significance of seaside attractions getting community support.

"Our winners this year are not the usual suspects — a timely reminder seaside heritage is not always grand or obvious," said Dr Ferry.

"These are attractions make their location unique — they are distinctive things that are highly valued by residents and visitors.

"People have a great nostalgia for the things they enjoyed in childhood — and they are grateful for the opportunity to pass that on to the next generation."

The consensus from voter comments indicated such places and experiences provide a sense of continuity, heavily fuelled by nostalgia and the desire to pass it on to future generations.