Mt. Vesuvius Needs Your Help

Naples, June 12 - Vesuvius, the volcano overlooking Naples, needs help in its bid to become one of the world's New Seven Wonders of Nature, backers say.

The peak best known for burying Pompeii in 79 AD has beaten Mt Blanc and the Matterhorn to become top Italian mountain in a current Web vote.

But is still lagging Everest and the Rockies in the mountains category on the www.new7wonders.com/nature site, the town council of Ercolano warned Friday.

''Vesuvius has come out on top as Italian bidder! But the campaign goes on to get it through the semi-finals. Vote for it,'' the Neapolitan town urged. ''Your support could be crucial, Vesuvius needs all our help,'' a message on the website said.

''A possible final spot in the seven could spell a turnaround for our beautiful land, which really needs a wave of 'restoration','' it said.

For more video of Naples, Mt. Vesuvius, and the region of Campania visit the Motorino Man on WebVisionItaly.com.