Wirral people are being asked to vote for their favourite park as part of a campaign led by Merseyside Police to encourage people to take more pride in their public spaces.

Six parks are involved in the poll, which follows the SafeSpace initiative's official launch last week with the support of Lords Minister for Communities and Local Government Baroness Kay Andrews.

The parks are:

Wallasey Central Park

Arrowe Park

Birkenhead Park

Mersey Park

Victoria Park

People have until August 27 to register their votes before the region's favourite park is announced at the start of September.

Some of Wirral's famous residents are getting behind the campaign.

Tranmere FC's John Achterberg said: "I think this initiative by Merseyside Police and other agencies is a very welcome way of encouraging young people and families to use their local parks more."

Wirral Chief Inspector John Holmes said: "Wirral's parks are some of the most historic and interesting in the UK, and the idea behind this poll is to encourage the public to think about exactly what they mean to them, the people who enjoy them on a regular basis."

Alan Stennard, council director of regeneration, added: "The poll is an excellent opportunity for everyone to express their pride and attachment to Wirral's parks.

"We all have fond memories of our parks and open spaces, whether they're playing in them as children, or relaxing and appreciating the serenity as adults, and it is fantastic to see efforts to encourage people to reconnect with them this summer.

"I would encourage everybody to get voting."

Wirral's parks boast a number of unique facts, with Birkenhead Park being the model for New York's Central Park as well as it being the world's first civic park.

SafeSpace is a partnership working over the summer holidays in Merseyside to encourage communities to reclaim the parks and open spaces in their locality.

Many events are being organised over the following weeks aimed at instilling a renewed pride in the parks of Merseyside, including wildlife spotting sessions, family fun days and sporting events.

The campaign is also focussing on tackling problems such as litter, graffiti and anti-social behaviour through the Total Policing initiative.

To vote, visit merseyside.police.uk/safespace.