Is this the best shed in Britain?

The Dome Experiment shed from Preston Credit: PA

The hunt is on for the best shed in the country - with entrants so far including an intricate dome shaped construction in Preston and a mock Tudor garden retreat in Wolverhampton.

Cuprinol's annual Shed of the Year competition is in its fourth year, and includes categories for best garden office, summerhouse, eco-friendly constructions and "tardis".

The Grafton Arms shed from Merseyside Credit: PA

New research from the company found more than 14 million people in the UK own a shed, with Cuprinol claiming that the average shed owner spends almost a year of their life in them.

The Gothic Retreat shed from Wolverhampton Credit: PA

What shed owners use their out-buildings for:

  • 9% of shed owners in Britain use it to store secret unhealthy snacks

  • 8% hide cigarettes

  • 4% keep love letters from an ex-partner

  • 11% admit using their sheds to make secret phone calls

  • 7% of sheds have a television

The Grafton Arms shed from Merseyside Credit: PA

Cuprinol's Kathryn Ledson said: "It's clear the nation are fanatical about sheds and view it as an important extension of the home, with many using it as a secret getaway to store secrets or avoid loved ones.

The Beat Hut shed from Chichester Credit: PA

"Whatever you use your shed for the annual Shed of the Year competition aims celebrates the best of British sheds and Cuprinol are proud to be the official sponsors for the fourth year running," she added.

The Allotment Roof Shed from London Credit: PA

Last year's winner was Alex Holland from Machynlleth in mid Wales for his boat roofed shed.

The construction was made from a recycled upturned boat for a roof and located at an altitude of 750ft above sea level in the Cambrian Mountain range.

Up a mountain on a farm, Owned by Alex Holland Credit: Cuprinol/Alex Holland

People can enter their shed until May 5 at www.readershed.co.uk