A park in Twickenham could become ‘one of the top ten parks and green spaces in the UK’ with the help of residents.

Richmond Council are encouraging visitors and residents to vote for Kneller Garden’s - which has now become the most well used open spaces in the borough - as the ‘best local’ park in the UK People’s Choice Awards by September 30.

To celebrate the 20th year of the Green Flag Awards there will not be just one overall winner but a ‘top ten’ list as voted by the public.

Cllr Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council cabinet member for environment, said: “The borough has a long standing history of excellence within our parks and open spaces and this year’s Green Flag awards demonstrate that we are still leaders in London, celebrating our reputation as one of the most beautiful places in the country.

“Each of our flags celebrates the staff and army of volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards.

“We have many great parks and it is difficult to pick one. However, this year we would like to recognise the work of F

This follows a successful year for parks and open spaces in Richmond after picking up its 17th prestigious Green Flag Award, the international mark of quality in the industry.

The Awards recognises parks for their cleanliness, safety, standard of maintenance, community involvement, sustainability, management, conservation and heritage.

Over the past few years, the council, with support of the local ‘Friends Group’ has undertaken a lot of work to improve the gardens and the plans continue as the Friends group are currently looking at transforming the changing facilities into a community room with extension to the café.

Frances Bennett, from the Friends of Kneller Gardens, said: “Kneller Gardens, is a well-loved and well used park that has something to offer everyone. Local people use it for leisure and sports, to meet friends, a walk along the river and to have a coffee at the cafe run by a social enterprise which trains young people.

"The playgrounds are always busy with families and there are all sorts of activities for adults. The Friends of Kneller Gardens are proud of their Green Flag and the work that we do in partnership with Richmond Council to achieve it."

The top ten parks and green spaces in the UK will be announced in October.

To vote, simply go to http://www.greenflagaward.org.uk/news/which-is-your-favourite-park/g, select London on the interactive map, find your favourite park or green space, click on ‘more details, then click the ‘vote for this site’ button.