Two Kingston parks that received Green Flag awards this week are now vying for a national people’s choice award.

Canbury Gardens and Manor Park received the awards, founded in 1996, to show visitors they are well maintained, well managed, and have excellent facilities.

The Keep Britain Tidy campaign described Canbury Gardens as “one of Kingston’s most prestigious and best loved parks, with its landscape reminiscent of formal Victorian gardens mirroring much of the surrounding architecture”.

Maldens and Coombe councillor Howard Jones, said: “Green spaces are important amenities jealously guarded by the residents. Near Manor Park many schools, clubs and groups of elderly citizens enjoy the facilities and have formed a Friends of Manor Park Association to look after the interests of the park.

“We are grateful in these financially difficult times that positive management has seen an improvement in the upkeep of this lovely space.”

To vote for the People’s Choice Awards, visit greenflagaward.org.uk.