Best park in the UK revealed

Rouken Glen Park in East Renfrewshire, Scotland, has been named the best park in the whole of the UK.

The East Renfrewshire park was crowned the country's finest by the national charity Fields in Trust at its annual awards event.

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Following a nationwide vote to find the country's favourite local green space, a massive 214 UK parks were nominated and over 10,000 votes were cast with the top four parks shortlisted, one from each of the home nations.

Rouen Glen came out triumphant, with Castle Gardens in Antrim, Northern Ireland, Pontypool Park in Torfaen, Wales, and Preston Park Rockery in Brighton, England, being the other finalists

On the East Renfrewshire council website, Councillor Vincent Waters, Convener of Environment, said: "Rouken Glen has always held a very special place in the hearts of all its visitors and now it's official - it's the best park in the UK. This is a fantastic accolade to win and is just reward for all the hard work our dedicated staff and volunteers have put in to improving the park over the last few years. It has unrivalled natural beauty and there is something for all ages to enjoy.

"Rouken Glen has been loved by all for more than 100 years, and will continue attract thousands of visitors to East Renfrewshire in the years to come."

The Fields in Trust Awards is now in its fifth year. The organisation is a national charity whose mission is to ensure that everyone - young or old, able-bodied or disabled and wherever they live - should have access to free, local outdoor space for sport, play and recreation.

Speaking to the BBC, Fields in Trust chief executive Helen Griffiths said: "It's a beautiful green space and well-deserving of the accolade. The number of parks nominated this year and the votes cast across the competition show just how much the public cherish their local green spaces."

Rouken Glen's award comes after a £3m transformation project over the summer.

Last year, the winner of the UK's best park was Telford Town Park in Shropshire.