Mote Park has been named the nation’s second favourite park.

The accolade from the Green Flag Choice Awards, involved the public voting.

The Maidstone park came third last year, and beat the 2013 winner Margam Park – this year’s third place – to make it to second place this time.

Maidstone council’s cabinet member for leisure and culture, Cllr John Perry, said: “With such strong competition across the country, this is a fantastic achievement, and testament to our volunteers and staff who work exceptionally hard all year round to keep the park at its best. Thank you to everyone who voted.”

Green Flag award manager, Paul Todd, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people voting in this year’s People’s Choice, showing their support and demonstrating how important and loved their local park or green space is.

"Congratulations to Mote Park and all the staff and volunteers who work so hard in ensuring the park is not only a Green Flag Award winner but is now one of the UK’s favourites for 2014.”

The awards, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, give the public the chance to vote for their favourite park in the UK from those awarded Green Flags over the year.