SOUTHEND Pier has been ranked alongside the likes of Hampton Court Palace as part of a competition to find England’s greatest attraction.

The pier, world famous for being the longest pleasure pier in the world, has been included in the sports and leisure category by Visit England as part of its Hall of Fame campaign.

The campaign, launched ahead of an exhibition to mark St George’s Day, features the great and good of English life, including the Queen, the Beatles, the Magna Carta and Cornish Pasties.

The pier is one of 60 things on the list and people have until Sunday, April 13, to vote for their favourite.

Derek Jarvis, Southend councillor for culture and tourism, said: “We have always known that the world famous pier is our jewel in the crown and this just goes to prove it."

The top 60 can be viewed and voted on at www.englandshalloffame.com