PONTYPOOL’s park has been named as the ‘best in Wales’ by the UK public as part of a charity competition.

The Fields in Trust, founded in 1925, aims to ensure the public have access to free local outdoor spaces and campaigns to promote and preserve outdoor sites.

Earlier this year, the trust launched the ‘UK’s Best Park’ competition, appealing to members of the public to nominate the parks and places that matter to them.

Over 10,000 votes were cast in the competition and a total of 214 parks were nominated.

After being nominated by Nikola Masters, owner of local Osbourne Road Nursery, Pontypool Park climbed the ranks and was the only Welsh entry to make it to the final UK shortlist.

The park was created in the 17th century by the Hanbury family and still houses several historical features, including the Italian Gardens, ice houses, the Folly Tower and Shell Grotto. Facilities include a children's play area, the home of Pontypool RFC, tennis courts, bowls and a dry ski slope.

At the end of the 20th century, the park passed into public ownership for the benefit of the community of Pontypool.

It’s currently maintained by voluntary group Pontypool Park Friends (PPF), which is led by Peter and Jeannette Fry and a group of active volunteers.

Secretary and treasurer of the Pontypool Park Friends, Jeannette Fry, said: “It’s lovely that people were passionate enough to donate and take the trouble to vote for us. It really shows that support.

“We have wonderful woodland and natural walks and the park is the heart of Pontypool. We’re very proud that it was voted as the best park in Wales.”

One of the park’s stellar attractions, the ‘Shell Grotto’ was constructed in 1794 for the Hanbury family and is regularly opened to the public for events including it's transformation into a Santa’s grotto over the last four years.

Its interior is decorated with small and large shells, together with clusters of spar and stars of crystal, set in geometric and flower patters and the floor is decorated with animal bone arranged in a ring of hearts and diamonds.

“It’s a very special place and Pontypool should be so proud that we have a park with so many facilities in,” Mrs Fry added.

“Having the grotto is the icing on the cake, it’s so unique and everyone loves to go in there.

"We don’t need an award to know that we’re the best park in Wales. We already know we’re the best.”

For more information, visit www.fieldsintrust.org/bestpark or search 'Pontypool Park Friends' on Facebook.