WEST Mersea has been named among Britain’s top ten prettiest fishing spots.

The town’s seaside charm is extolled in the BBC Countryfile magazine, which lists it alongside towns and villages in Cornwall, Devon, Fife, Norfolk and Northumberland.

Writer Daniel Start gives readers a taste of what they can expect in a trip across the Strood, which, he says, must finish with a trip on the popular Lady Grace boat.

He writes: “Washed by the clean river waters of the Colne to the east and the Blackwater to the west, Mersea Island has always provided ideal conditions for shellfish, particularly oysters.

“Famed since Roman times, the island’s pearly bivalves are as highly regarded today and there’s nothing better than enjoying them at the popular Company Shed – just bring your own cold white wine, maybe from Mersea Island’s own vineyard, and fresh crusty white bread.

“The waterside sheds are home to several other great places to buy oysters and seafood, as well as a few cafés, galleries and fishing boats.

“Children love crabbing from the pontoon and the sandy and shell beach is lined with multicoloured beach huts.

“Mersea Island is famous for its wading birds – take a trip on the Lady Grace to fish and appreciate the island from the sea.”

Stacey Belbin, who runs the Lady Grace, welcomed Mr Start’s analysis.

She said: “The island is special, for sure, but it’s not just the scenery or the water, it’s the people.

“For me, the best part about what we have here is being on the water all the time - I’ve been on the water since I was two weeks old.”

The 29-year-old added: “We are so lucky not to be surrounded by buildings and we can see a weather front coming in.

“We might just be seeing rain coming in but it is still a sight to behold - it is totally different from anywhere else.”

The sailor, who clocked up 100-hour weeks during the busy spring and summer months, added: “The island has something to offer all year round. When the summer has finished, we still have 300,000 migratory birds which brings people in.”