Bristol University archaeologist Dr Mark Horton is to put his support behind the ss Great Britain in her bid for glory as the best new museum or gallery in the UK.

Brunel’s ss Great Britain has been placed on a long list with nine other attractions for the prestigious 2006 Gulbenkian Prize – the biggest arts prize in Europe.

Dr Horton, who is Head of the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Bristol, is already a keen supporter of the ship.

The purpose of the Gulbenkian Prize is to recognise and stimulate originality, imagination and excellence in museums and galleries to increase public appreciation and enjoyment of what they have to offer.

Brunel’s ss Great Britain faces some stiff competition from the likes of Concorde at Edinburgh, the Churchill Museum & Cabinet War Rooms in London and the Roald Dahl Museum but it is the only attraction in the South West to be nominated.

Dr Horton, who has appeared on TV in programmes such as ‘Coast’, ‘Time Flyers’ and ‘Time Team’, will be at the Great Western Dockyard today to outline just why he believes the restored ship and museum deserves to win the £100,000 prize.

With his expertise in maritime archaeology, Dr Horton is well placed to explain the significance of Brunel’s masterpiece of engineering and the value of the project to conserve her in the original dry dock in Bristol where she was built more than 160 years ago.

He will also explain how the ship is used as an important educational resource for everyone from primary school pupils to academics such as himself.

Dr Horton will talk about the prize during a brief tour of Brunel’s Great Western Dockyard including the recently enclosed dry dock, dockyard museum and the ship itself.