Hertfordshire is looking for which of its museums relics and collections are worthy of being ‘object of the year'.

The Hertfordshire Association of Museums, an umbrella organisation which represents museums across Hertfordshire, has selected 11 museums which contain some of the county’s most interesting and oldest objects.

Nominations from Letchworth’s oldest surviving toilet roll from 1936, to a 1950’s Cresta silk cocktail dress can be voted by the public as ‘object of the year’ until October 31.

Terry Douris, cabinet member for education, libraries and localism, said in regards to museums: “Whether it is a working mill, a signal box, specialist or local history museum, they all contribute a lot to their communities, achieving high standards in their work with some nationally innovative practice.

“They contribute to the local community through education, enrichment and mental wellbeing initiatives, providing a sense of place and make a significant economic contribution to Hertfordshire’s tourism industry.

“It (the awards) also gives museums and heritage organisations a chance to showcase the brilliant work they do and make the public aware of the importance of museums.”

Other nominations for ‘object of the year’ includes Hertford Museum’s samurai armour, which dates to the late Edo period in Japan and North Hertfordshire Museum’s fire engine built in 1793, a device far different from the fire engines built today.

The awards ceremony will be held on December 6 at The British Schools Museum, Hitchin. To vote for ‘object of the year’, visit: www.hertfordshiremuseums.org.uk/object-of-the-year.aspx