The River Severn snakes its way through Bridgnorth, making it one of the county’s most easily-recognised towns.

Steam trains chug through, en route to stations along the Severn Valley Railway line, while day-trippers make the most of the town’s unique hillside railway.

But, according to Bridgnorth MP Philip Dunne, the town’s finest feature is the people who live there.

He said: “What makes Bridgnorth so special are its people. There is a strong sense of community identity and involvement in local good causes.

“Thousands of people take part every year in the Bridgnorth Walk from the town centre to the top of the Brown Clee and back – some 22 miles – and participate in the diverse sports offered by clubs in the town.

Bridgnorth is also well known for its range of music and arts festivals throughout the year.”

Of course, Bridgnorth’s natural beauty can’t be overlooked. Bridgnorth is split into Low Town and High Town, named on account of their elevations relative to the River Severn.

It has a population of around 12,000 and has a rich history. The town was carved from the landscape by the river and got its name from a bridge over the deep, twisting watercourse.

That bridge was constructed further north than an earlier bridge at Quatford, constructing a castle and church on the site of the modern-day town. Thecastle’s purpose was to defend against attacks from Wales.

Mr Dunne said: “Bridgnorth is one of Shropshire’s gems, with its historic town centre perched on sandstone cliffs commanding the River Severn. The town has much to offer local residents and visitors alike.

“Last year the Severn Valley Railway reopened following multi million pound repairs after the 2007 floods. This unique historic railway carried more visitors to the town than ever before.

“Bridgnorth also has the unusual Cliff railway connecting High Town to the river below. There is much for visitors to see in the town which boasts many attractive pubs and eateries catering to all tastes.

Leading centre

“But Bridgnorth is much more than a tourist attraction. It remains one of the country’s leading aluminium processing centres; has one of the county’s major livestock markets; and maintains a vibrant and diverse local economy, including nationally recognised skilled manufacturers and innovative service businesses.”

In recent times, historians have unearthed frightening details about plans by Nazi Germans to use Bridgnorth as a staging post in World War II.

In 2005, unverified German papers dating from 1941 were found, outlining details about Operation Sealion, the military plans of Nazi Germany for an invasion of Britain.

Two quiet Shrosphire towns were mentioned in the documentation – Ludlow and Bridgnorth.

Some experts believe that it was Hitler’s intention to make Bridgnorth the German headquarters of Britain, due to its central position in the UK, rural location, rail connections and now-disused airfield.

For all of its rich history, fascinating tourist attractions, and age-old beauty spots, Bridgnorth remains first and foremost a bustling market town.