Puffin and bumblebee among 18 creatures shortlisted to feature on banknotes

Eighteen animals, birds and insects have been shortlisted to appear on future banknotes - and the public can have their say on which creatures feature.

The wildlife beauty contest gives the colourful kingfisher and common frog an equal chance of a place on the next series of Bank of England notes.

The replacement of historical characters, particularly Sir Winston Churchill, with British wildlife sent political leaders into a frenzy of condemnation earlier this year.

But now people have a month to offer their views about which species of wildlife should be honoured on the £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes.

The shortlist, chosen by a panel of wildlife experts, excluded household pets. People will be able to vote for up to six of their favourites from the shortlist .

In a bid to prevent the otherwise inevitable Stoaty McStoatface jokes, those voting will not be able to nominate any alternatives.

"I very much hope the public will enjoy engaging in our consultation to choose the animals to feature on our next series of banknotes," said Victoria Cleland, the Bank's chief cashier, whose signature appears on banknotes.

"The shortlisted animals demonstrate the rich variety of wildlife we have to celebrate in the UK."