Two Norfolk parks have been hailed as 'much loved' in a national awards scheme.

Eastern Daily Press: West Norfolk council have agreed to safeguard the trees in the borough. Pictured are trees in The Walks. Picture: Ian BurtWest Norfolk council have agreed to safeguard the trees in the borough. Pictured are trees in The Walks. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

The Walks in King's Lynn and Eaton Park in Norwich received "Much Loved" status as part of Fields in Trust's UK's Best Park 2019, which aims to recognise the UK's most loved green spaces.

The overall winner was Essex's Lake Meadows in Billericay.

The accolade is awarded to the top 20pc of all parks and green spaces nominated, recognising the support of those that use it.

Fields in Trust chief executive Helen Griffiths said: "Congratulations to Lake Meadows and all the 'Much Loved' parks and green spaces in the region. We know that parks provide benefits to the physical health, mental wellbeing and community connections for people that use them. It is encouraging to see so many people celebrate how much they love their local parks.

Eastern Daily Press: Eaton Park Credit: Victoria PertusaEaton Park Credit: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Victoria Pertusa)

"Fields in Trust is committed to protecting these vital parts of the UK's community infrastructure for future generations to enjoy. We know that green spaces are good, do good and need to be protected for good."

As many as 37 of the 364 parks nominated by local community groups were from the East of England, while over 36,000 people voted for their favourite parks across the country.

Fields in Trust recently found that the East of England has more than 314,000 people whose nearest green space is more than ten minutes-walk from home, while over 2.5 million people across Great Britain do not have local access to a park or green space.

The charity says public sector cuts have led to pressure on parks and green spaces, and added that there is the risk that a lack of legal protection could lead to more being sold off or developed.

Eastern Daily Press: Great Get Together at Eaton Park 2019, Friends of EP Photo: Stuart Beard PhotographyGreat Get Together at Eaton Park 2019, Friends of EP Photo: Stuart Beard Photography (Image: Stuart Beard Photography)

Fields in Trust believes outdoor green spaces contribute £34 billion each year in health and wellbeing benefits to their regular users and save the NHS £111m each year in avoided GP appointments.

The charity has been in operation since 1925, and aims to provide legal protection to parks in the UK.