Regent's Park has been awarded the prestigious accolade of the best park in the central region in the 2008 Britain's Best Park competition, sponsored by Briggs & Stratton.

The judges were particularly impressed by the spectacular horticultural displays and high levels of maintenance in Regent's Park, which is managed by The Royal Parks. Other areas of excellence included: environment, design, usability, access, maintenance, and community involvement.

Mark Camley, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said: "I am delighted that The Regent's Park has received the Britain's Best Park Central Regional Award. This award recognises the dedication of the Park team and all our partners in making The Regent's Park a valued green space that is enjoyed by millions of visitors and local people every year."

Ian Small, Competition Judge and Business Development Manager for Briggs & Stratton UK Ltd said: "The Park's diverse environment and historical elements appeal to a wide range of users and make it a worthy winner of the regional prize."

For further information please contact:

Katy Murray, The Royal Parks on 0300 061 2128 or email kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk.

Notes to Editors

About Britain's Best Parks:

• The Britain's Best Parks' competition was started in 2003 by Briggs & Stratton (petrol engine manufacturer) as part of a global network of competitions recognising and rewarding excellence in park design and maintenance. Similar competitions run in six countries including Sweden, Germany, Poland, France and Italy. For further information, please visit www.britainsbestparks.co.uk.
• The parks were judged on the following criteria: Park Environment; horticulture; park quality; park design; architecture; character; originality; usability; facilities; special offers & activities; accessibility; maintenance; design; community involvement.
• The central region includes the following areas: Greater London; Hertfordshire; Buckinghamshire; Wokingham; Reading; Windsor; and Maidenhead.
• The judges for this year's competition were Peter Seabrook MBE (Gardening Editor, The Sun), Steve Bradley (Gardening Editor, The Sun), Matthew Appleby (News Editor, Horticulture Week), Anisa Gress (Writer, The Garden), Jean Vernon (Freelance Gardening Journalist), Martin Fish (Garden Writer and Broadcaster), and Ian Small (Briggs & Stratton UK Ltd).

About Regent's Park:

• The Regent's Park covers 166 hectares (410 acres) and includes stunning rose gardens with more than 30,000 roses of 400 varieties. The Park has excellent sports facilities and with nearly 100 acres available is the largest outdoor sports area in Central London.

About The Royal Parks:

• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.
• For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk.