FIVE Wirral parks are among hundreds nominated in a compeitition to be crowned the nation's favourite.

Arrowe Park, Birkenhead Park, Harrison Park, Thurstaston Common and Vale Park are among 14 cherished green spaces in Merseyside competing for the UK Best Park Award, organised by the charity Fields in Trust. 

Nationally, 360 parks have been nominated.

The full list of Merseyside's 14 nominated parks is: 

  • Arrowe Park 
  • Birkenhead Park 
  • Harrison Park 
  • Thurstaston Common
  • Vale Park
  • Calderstones 
  • Croxteth
  • Derby 
  • Everton
  • Rimrose Valley
  • Sefton 
  • Walton Hall 
  • Wavertree Playground 
  • Southport's Botanical Gardens 

The winner will be revealed during an Awards night at Lord’s Cricket Ground in November.

Fields in Trust works to safeguard recreational spaces and campaign for better statutory protection for all kinds of outdoor sites.

Its chief executive Helen Griffiths, said: "Despite their clear health benefits, parks and green spaces are facing an uncertain future - across the UK outdoor spaces are under threat.

"The UK's Best Park Award celebrates the parks and green spaces which are so vital to the communities that use them.

"Recognising the UK's Best Park is a way of revaluing our green spaces; not viewing them just as a drain on resources for maintenance and upkeep - but seeing what benefits they bring; access to good quality recreational space can contribute to the physical and mental health of their local population and provide places for people to get together for community events."

To vote for your favourite park, visit www.fieldsintrust.org/bestpark/northwest