Solar-powered upside down boat shed is named Shed of the Year 2013

Welsh shed beats off stiff competition from 1,900 entries around the UK

Alex Holland from Machynlleth in mid Wales is celebrating today after his shed was named Shed of the Year 2013.

Situated 750ft above sea level, the main feature of his shed is its roof, a recycled upturned boat, but it also has a 20w solar panel to power LED lights and is in fact built completely from recycled materials. Inside, Alex has a wood burner, sound system, gas cooker and refrigerator.

"I am absolutely delighted to have won," he said. "The standard and creativity shown by the other entrants has been incredible so I am genuinely surprised to have reached the top spot! With the £1,000 prize I intend to buy a second hand 400w 12v wind turbine to augment the solar panel to give me enough electricity to make ice in the fridge for gin and tonics, and to ensure the cider and beers are always chilled. I’ll then be able to have a proper party to celebrate with those who have supported me in getting so far.”

Judges this year included television property experts Sarah Beeny and Kevin McCloud, last year's winner John Plumridge, organiser of Shed of the Year Uncle Wilco and Alex Johnson from Shedworking. Around 14,000 votes were cast by the public to select winners in individual categories - including pub sheds, Tardises and a ship shed - which then went forward to contest the final.

"It's the out and out winner," said Sarah Beeny. "It has everything, utterly brilliant. I wish it were mine."

Kevin McCloud added: "Our consumption of stuff happens on a scale, from the fantastically wasteful at one end to the fantastically crafted and cherished at the other. We all of us ‘get’ the value of the cherished object and perhaps in that experience lies the path to inner-shedness."