People are being asked to back their favourite Dudley borough parks in the national People’s Choice Awards.

Residents can back one of the six parks in the borough to be given a prestigious Green Flag Award in July - Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge, Buffery Park and Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve in Dudley, Leasowes Park in Halesowen and Silver Jubilee Park in Coseley.

One of the parks in the running, Mary Stevens Park, has recently received £2.6million of Heritage Lottery Fund money to make improvements. The Dudley Council led project has included improvements to Heath Pool, the park gates, war memorial and bandstand as well as the creation of a new cafe and toilet facilities and the recruitment of a heritage ranger. Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environment, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to show their love and support for some of the borough’s outstanding parks and I would ask everyone to do their bit by voting.

“We are incredibly grateful to the volunteer groups that have contributed so much to the Green Flag parks and proud of the work that goes into making these spaces so special.”

To vote people simply go to greenflagaward.org and find their park on the winners map and click the voting button. Once registered, they can also encourage others to get involved too through social media using the hashtag #PeoplesChoice.

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