VICTORIA Park has beaten hundreds of others to earn pride of place in the UK.

The park in Birchfield Road, Widnes, is run by Halton Borough Council and has been announced by Green Flag Award as one of the winners of the 2018 people’s choice vote.

It is the only park in Cheshire and the north west to meet the high standards demanded by Green Flag for parks and green spaces.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award manager, said: “Congratulations to everyone who has helped Victoria Park become one of the nation’s favourites and a Green Flag Award people’s choice winner.

“We know that parks matter to people and that those tasked with looking after them have faced and are facing some significant challenges.

“This award is the public’s way of showing just how much they value their parks and an acknowledgement to the hard work of the teams that make them such great places.”

People were asked to vote for their favourite national park in an online vote in September.

Halton Borough Council's executive board member for the physical environment, Cllr Ron Hignett, said: "We are very proud of Victoria Park.

"The award is a credit to the hard work frontline staff and volunteers put in to keep it in such great shape."

Runcorn Hill in Runcorn also made the top 25, making it a double success for Halton.