Ham Hill - Voted South West's Best Picnic Spot

South Somerset's Countryside Team are celebrating after Ham Hill was named regional winner of the Warburton's Bread Picnic Awards.

Ham Hill beat nine local picnic spots to be crowned 'the best picnic spot' in the South West – landing Somerset with a place amongst the ten finalists across the UK.

Now Countryside Rangers who work at the park are hoping that Ham Hill wins in the national finals.

Ranger Jon Marshman says, "We're absolutely delighted to hear that Ham Hill has been selected as a regional winner, after weeks of voting. Ham Hill is loved locally by people of all ages for its unique and exciting landscape, its panoramic views and areas for walking, barbequing and picnicking.

South Somerset District Council will receive a £500 bursary for winning the regional heat. Jon added, "We will be putting the money directly into improving the existing picnic facilities to ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy picnicking at Ham Hill Country Park."

Ham Hill Country Park now faces competition from picnic spots all over the UK, from Richmond Park in London to Tintern Abbey in Wales.

Jonathan Warburton, Chairman of Warburtons, said: "The Warburtons Picnic Awards 2008 are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate one of our Great British traditions and uncover the most popular spots where families can enjoy a picnic. Warburtons wants to ensure picnics are a part of family life for many years to come, and remember - no picnic is complete without a sandwich!"