A POLKA dot beach hut with a 'drawbridge' in Dovercourt has been named as the Beach Hut of the Year.

The annual competition saw My Happy Hut revealed as Britain's best beach hut by TV property guru Phil Spencer.

The fairy-tale red and white polka dot beach hut is owned by photographer Anna Davies, of Harwich, who acquired the hut to inject some happiness into her and her three children’s lives.

My Happy Hut captivated the panel of expert judges, which included Phil Spencer, presenter of Location, Location, Location.

The presenter visited the hut on Friday to award Anna Davies with a plaque, a £1,000 cash prize and a year’s free beach hut insurance from competition sponsor Towergate.

Harwich and Dovercourt Beach Hut Association will also receive £500 as part of Anna’s prize.

Phil said: “I have fond memories of summers spent whiling away the hours at my family’s beach hut and the way this competition continues to grow and capture the hearts of seaside lovers clearly shows our affinity with beach huts in the UK is increasing.

“I think it gets tougher each year to select a winner as the standard of entries is truly incredible and we were spoilt for choice with an array of unique and fantastic designs.

"However, My Happy Hut was chosen for its delightful decor and for bringing joy, not only to Anna and her family, but to the beach hut community.

"My Happy Hut has been selected because of its vibrancy. The beach hut has a fairy-tale enchantment which is brought to life by its red and white polka dot exterior, its traditional pastel interiors and carefully selected objects which add to its happy seaside vibe.

"My Happy Hut’ has glass double doors and windows behind what its owners call the drawbridge. The front drops down to create a decked area, making it perfect to use all year round."

The hut was chosen by the judges as the pick of the bunch for its vibrancy, stand out style and the effort that went into creating a hut of happiness for them to enjoy together as a family.

Anna said: “I am genuinely shocked and excited that My Happy Hut has been crowned beach hut of the year.

"It’s a wonderful acknowledgement of how much love and hard work we have poured into our hut, so to receive this accolade, and of course meeting Phil Spencer, is just wonderful.

"I love the beach hut community spirit and once a year we go on a Dovercourt beach hut crawl enjoying food and drink at every hut we visit along the way.

"This hut has been my salvation and continues to bring myself and my family joy every summer.”

No 303, which is sited in Brightlingsea, and is owned by Janette White of Mill Road, Colchester, and Millie, which is sited in Walton and owned by Victoria Gunn, were also named among the top ten.