Sheds of the Year 2016 – in pictures: Nuclear bunker, Western-style saloon and camper van all named on shortlist

'We hope the competition will inspire the nation to make the most of the outdoor space they have, no matter how big or small'

The great Britsh shed - a place of escape and refuge - are features of gardens up and down the country.

But some people take their love of sheds further than others. The Shed of the Year competition is currently underway, reflecting the UK's eccentricities by bringing together some of the most creative, historic, entertaining and innovative creations.

This year's offerings include a restored nuclear bunker, a converted fishing boat and a shed which rotates 360 degrees to follow the path of the sun.

Scroll through the gallery to see the shortlist for the Shed of the Year 2016.

“Following a record breaking number of entries, the competition is just getting bigger and better each year," said the founder of Cuprinol’s Shed of the Year, Andrew Wilcox. "It proves the nation is totally fanatical about garden sheds and true British eccentricities are being championed."

“These 32 sheds include some of the best I have ever seen in the history of the competition, so deciding who will take our top honour as the Shed of the Year 2016 will be tough, I love them all.”

Brand Manager for Cuprinol, Katie Taylor, said: “We’re really proud to sponsor Shed of the Year for the sixth time running. Year on year, we are blown away by the amazing creativity and hard work of the sheddies around the UK and this year is no exception. It’s clear that the humble garden shed is no longer just a space to store garden tools, as more and more people use it as an extra living space where they can spend more time outdoors.

"We hope the competition will inspire the nation to make the most of the outdoor space they have, no matter how big or small.”

The winner will be announced on Channel 4's Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year this summer.