TWO Oxford parks are in the running for national awards.

Florence Park in Cowley, and Cutteslowe Park in North Oxford have been nominated for the UK's Best Park or Green Space by the Fields in Trust group.

With Love Parks Week starting today, Oxford City Council is encouraging people to get out and enjoy their local green spaces.

The city of Oxford has over 150 park and green space sites, including six Green Flag awarded parks, including Blackbird Leys park, Bury Knowle park, Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, Florence Park, Hinksey Park, and St. Sepulchre’s Cemetery.

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Time spent in parks has been shown to be good for physical and mental health.

Councillor Louise Upton, Executive Board Member for Healthy Oxford, said: “I’m delighted that Florence Park and Cutteslowe Park are in the running for this national award, and I encourage everyone to go online and vote for them.

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"We’re also very proud to retain Green Flag Status for our five flagship parks and St Sepulchre Cemetery.

“Not only do these parks provide huge amounts of green space, but they also offer a host of healthy, community-focused activities that anyone can join in with. Just a walk in the park is a fantastic way to build exercise into your day, meet new people and take in the great outdoors."

To vote for the parks and see the other candidates, visit fieldsintrust.org/best-park/south-east