A park popular amongst residents earned an award as one of the best in the country.

Hundreds of people voted for Stretford's Victoria Park in the Fields in Trust UK's Favourite Parks competition, putting it into the top 20 per cent of open spaces across the UK.

As a result, the park earned the award of 'Local Favourite' status. It was one of 14 in the North West to achieve this with others around Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire.

Cllr Stephen Adshead, the council's executive member for environmental services, said: "This is fantastic news and, once again, shows how much people in Trafford love their parks. We have some fantastic parks and open spaces in the borough and we are very proud of each and every one of them.

"Thanks to everyone who nominated Victoria Park and thanks to the friends group who do so much to help keep the park looking beautiful."

The friends group, Friends of Victoria Park, formed 20 years ago and its volunteers have been instrumental in the park's popularity.

Shelly Quinton-Hulme, chairperson of Friends of Victoria Park, said: "We are so proud our community voted Victoria Park as their favourite local park. Thanks go to everyone who voted, everyone who has donated time, money, resources and all the staff who work in the park.

"We have worked hard over the last 20 years to improve the park for everyone to enjoy, and we will continue to do so. We always need help to do this and if you have some time to donate please get in touch and help."

To contact the friends group, email info@fovps.org.uk.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.