A MONMOUTHSHIRE tourist attraction clinched top spot in a competition to find the UK’s best green space.

Tintern Old Station clinched the People’s Choice Award for sites flying a Green Flag, with a record 2,421 votes.

The Victorian site, which received its first Green Flag Award two years ago and retained it in 2010 and 2011, is set in picturesque countryside on the outskirts of the village.

Featuring a signal box hosting various exhibitions, a riverside walk and tearoom, the station saw off stiff competition from 1,290 parks, university campuses and even cemeteries across the UK.

All Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces were entered into the annual poll, and it was down to the public to choose their favourite.

Station manager John Sterry, who has worked in Tintern for nine years, said it was nice for the village to be recognised for something other than its marvellous Abbey. He said: “There is a lot of love for the station. One lady who has been coming here for 40 years found my home number and asked how she could support us in the competition. Monmouthshire should be very proud we have the best green space in the UK.”

Giles Howard, cabinet member for countryside, said: “It was able to hold its own against some pretty big and well-known destinations.”

Mr Sterry and Monmouthshire council’s countryside manager, Matthew Lewis, were presented with the award in London on Wednesday.