SENTINEL readers are being urged to get behind the Wedgwood Museum in a final push to claim the UK's single biggest arts prize.

The Barlaston attraction is currently leading the 'People's Choice' vote for the Art Fund Prize 2009, but directors are urging Potteries residents to encourage friends and family from all over the country to vote as the competition enters its final week.

The Art Fund Prize, which comes with a £100,000 funding boost for the winner, recognises the museum or gallery whose project demonstrates the most originality, imagination and excellence.

The 'People's Choice' vote allows the public to pick their favourite entry online, and will account for one vote from the seven-strong judging panel.

At the time of writing, the Wedgwood Museum was way out in front of the other three candidates – Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Orleans House Gallery, in Twickenham, and Denbighshire's Ruthin Craft Centre: The Centre for the Applied Arts – with 49.6 per cent of the vote.

Director Gaye Blake-Roberts said staff are thrilled with the response so far, but with voting due to close next Thursday , they need supporters to make a final push.

She said: "We would ask people to email the link to friends and family so we are in the strongest possible position when the poll closes.

"We've still got a week of voting left, so the poll could easily swing in anyone's direction."

The result of the competition will be announced on Thursday, June 18 at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.