THE Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth has been shortlisted for two out of 11 categories for the coveted Museums & Heritage Awards for Excellence in 2013-2014.

More than 350 venues were nominated for the top Culture Pros Pick Award.

The Russell-Cotes is one of only five to be shortlisted for this category which is now open to a public vote.

In Our Own Words: Soldiers’ Thoughts from Afghanistan, an exhibition staged in 2013, has also been shortlisted in the Project on a Limited Budget category.

The exhibition brought together work by Second World War artists with the Diary Room by the contemporary official war artist, Derek Eland.

Councillor Lawrence Williams, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture, said: “It was a truly moving display of words and a huge honour for us to be able to exhibit the personal thoughts of the Afghanistan soldiers.”

The winners will be announced at a London ceremony on May 14.