READERS have been having their say about their favourite buildings in Worcestershire.

Among those close to people's heart are familiar favourites such as the cathedral, Laslett's almshouses, and Greyfriars, all in Worcester.

But less obvious candidates in the city have caught the eye too. There has been appreciation for Reindeer Court, Mealcheapen Street; the Old Pheasant Inn, New Street, and Trinity House at the corner of St Nicholas Street and Queen Street.

Accessorize in the High Street and Primo in Sidbury were also singled out.

One of the most iconic examples of contemporary architecture in Worcester, the Hive library, continues to divide opinion.

Posting on the Worcester News Facebook page, Caroline Blood said: It's a magnificent building. I love the views out to the hills and the gardens below. Fabulous design all round."

But Shelley Matthews described it as a "hideous gold eyesore", while Fi Probert said it looks like a "metal snake that has swallowed a milk carton".

Other Worcester buildings singled out for derision include Elgar House at Shrub Hill and the shops at Dines Green.

The comments follow the launch of the 2017 Worcestershire Architecture Awards, which are being backed by the Worcester News and its sister weekly newspapers across the county.

Although it was older architecture that caught our readers' eye, the awards aim to recognise buildings completed since May 2015, or due to start before June 2018.

A jury consisting of architects and non-architects will judge the entries.

There are six categories in the awards, recognising both built and unbuilt projects in Worcestershire and by Worcestershire architects outside of the county.

Architects can enter projects of all scales, built and unbuilt, online at www.ribaworcestershire.co.uk/awards until June 30. Full details, terms and conditions can also be found on the awards webpage.

In addition to the categories judged by the panel, Newsquest (Midlands South), publisher of the Worcester News and local papers across Worcestershire, will be backing a People’s Choice Award.

Shortlisted entries from across the other categories will be published in the local papers and online with local people able to vote for their favourite building.

A free exhibition of the entries will be open to the public at the Guildhall (High Street, Worcester) on Saturday, August 25 from 10am until 4pm.

It will be followed by an awards reception where the winners will be revealed.