THE Rollright Stones have been named as one of “seven wonders” of the Cotswolds in a public vote.

Hundreds of people voted after the Cotswold Conservation Board launched a poll to find people’s favourite places in the area.

There were 80 nominations for the seven favourite sites in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The stones, which date back 4,000 years, stand in the countryside north of Chipping Norton and attract thousands of visitors a year.

They feature two groups of stones, the Whispering Knights and King’s Men, and the King Stone, which stands on its own.

The other six wonders chosen were: Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury; Cotswold limestone; Woodchester Mansion and Park, near Stroud; the Cotswold Way National Trail, Cleeve Hill and Common, the highest point of the Cotswolds; and Stroud Farmers’ Market.

Cotswold Conservation Board spokesman Nicola Greaves said: “This has been a fascinating campaign, which has captured the imagination of many people across the Cotswolds.

“The final list is a very interesting one, which represents some of the Cotswolds’ most distinctive features.

“We plan to use these to create walks which will help people enjoy our beautiful Cotswolds landscape.”

The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966 and is looked after by the Cotswold Conservation Board.