The people have spoken – and voted for their ten favourite parks in the country with Halton Borough Council's Victoria Park coming in the top ten.

It was the only park in the Northwest to make the list. And it has done so now for two years in a row.

Runcorn Hill only just missed out giving the area two in the top 20.

There were more than 1,800 sites to choose from, all of which meet the standards demanded by the international Green Flag Award programme.

Halton Council's executive board member for the environment Cllr Ron Hignett said: "We have always thought of our parks as jewels in Halton's crown.

"And the public agrees.

"Thanks to all the council staff and the many volunteers who help make them look so good.

"To be recognised in the top ten favourite parks in the country rightly recognises the amazing contribution of our staff, all our volunteers and the visitors.

“This vote is the result of years of dedication from a large number of people. It does them all credit and highlights how important all our parks, these two in particular, are to the local community."

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award amnager, said: “We know that parks matter to people and that receiving a Green Flag Award brings a real sense of achievement and pride to staff, volunteers and the community.

“The number of people who took the time to vote for their favourite park is testament to how much these spaces are valued and we congratulate this year’s top ten.”

The ten winners of the 2019 People’s Choice Award are in alphabetical order:

  • Clifton Park, Rotherham Borough Council
  • Elsecar Park and local reservoir nature reserve, Barnsley Borough Council
  • Harlow Town Park, Harlow District Council
  • Hollycroft Park, Hinckley & Bosworth Council
  • Strathaven Park, South Lanarkshire Council
  • University of Essex Wivenhoe Park, University of Essex
  • Valentine's Park, Vision Redbridge
  • Victoria Park Tower Hamlets, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
  • Victoria Park Widnes, Halton Borough Council
  • Warley Woods, Warley Woods Community Trust