A number of the county's finest green spaces are in the running to be named the UK's favourite.

Six Essex County Council’s country parks were handed Green Flag Awards in July and are now in the running for the People’s Choice Award.

Belhus, Danbury, Great Notley, Cudmore, Thorndon and Weald Country Parks were given the nod this summer for being well managed and setting the benchmark for the management of recreational outdoor spaces.

Cllr Simon Walsh, cabinet member for Environment and Waste, said: “We are very fortunate to have such wonderful country parks and green spaces in our county.

"The Green Flag and People’s Choice Award schemes are a great way to showcase on a national platform what our parks have to offer.

“Whether you enjoy visiting one of our parks to play football, walk the dog, take part in the many fun activities available or simply get away from the hustle and bustle, if you think your favourite deserves to be in the top 10 People’s Choice then please vote.”

Voting closes 30 September, with the top 10 sites being announced on October 16.