A ROUNDABOUT in Tuckton will feature in the 2015 Best of British Roundabouts calendar.

The UK Roundabout Appreciation Society (UKRAS) selected the “splendid” roundabout to appear on its February page.

It’s the smiley faces hidden in the stone slabs that caught the eye of the UKRAS judges.

President of the organisation, Kevin Beresford, who is also known as ‘Lord of the Rings’, said: “I personally feel this terrific traffic island perfectly sums up what is so charming about the great British one-way gyratory.

“The town of Bournemouth should feel very proud for achieving such a high roundabout accolade.”

The calendar, which costs £9.99, celebrates “God’s Wonderful Roundabouts.”

Previous cover stars have included Otford roundabout, which has a duck pond at the centre, the Holgate windmill gyratory in York and this year’s winner, Stonehills roundabout in Tewkesbury.

Mr Beresford said: “Roads are often condemned as being scars on the landscape but with the coming of the roundabout in all their glory, they counteract the road’s unsightliness.

“With infinite variety, colour and creativeness, these bitumen babes lift our sagging spirits on long tiresome trips. The roundabout is truly an oasis on a sea of tarmac.”

Cllr Lawrence Williams, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture at Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “It’s not often that accolades are given out for roundabouts so we welcome the news that Tuckton is being recognised.

“A great deal of hard work goes into making all of our roundabouts colourful and visually pleasing for residents and visitors as they make their way around the town.”