One of Bristol's most beautiful and historic open spaces is hoping to win £50,000 to restore it to its former glory and make it accessible for people.

Next month, the Snuff Mills Restoration Project will be up against the Emersons Green Youth Group Memorial Park in ITV West's The People's Millions competition.

The two will be competing for an award of up to £50,000 and need public votes to win.

The Snuff Mills Restoration Project would restore a woodland and park to create an area as a retreat from city life.

Work would include improving access and paths as well as seating, toilets and other facilities for people with disabilities and the wider public.

A formal garden will also be renovated so that people with mobility problems can also enjoy the area.

The group will work with local children to collect acorns and seeds for planting in the woodland, and will host awareness-raising events such as an oral history session to get both younger and older people involved in the project.

Steve Micklewright, chairman of the Snuff Mills Action Group, said that they were "really chuffed" to reach the final of the competition.

"This is a real beauty spot and we want as many people as possible to enjoy it," said Mr Micklewright, 47, from Stapleton, who works for the Avon Wildlife Trust.

"But to get the most out of Snuff Mills, it needs a few improvements. People come here from all over the city to get out and about and enjoy being in the natural environment. Winning this money would make that easier."

One person who would benefit from improvements is wheelchair-bound Matthew Needs, 34, from St George.

His father Ivor, 77, said: "Sometimes I can't get Matthew around. It would be great to have the path tarmaced.

"I love bringing Matthew down here. It's quiet and there's no noise or anything like that. We both enjoy it."

Six groups in the ITV West region will be competing to win a share of £200,000 Big Lottery Fund good cause money in The People's Millions TV contest. The six will make their case for the public's vote on ITV West's regional news programme from November 23, with the winners being decided in a phone vote.

At the end of the week, four projects will have won a slice of £200,000. The winner will be announced on November 26.