AN Evesham car park has been named the worst in Britain for narrow parking bays in a nationwide survey.

The Riverside Shopping Centre Car Park was awarded the dubious accolade after self-styled 'car park connoisseur' Kevin Beresford conducted the study on behalf of the AA.

His aim was find the worst car parks in Britain in a number of different categories.

Hundreds of car parks were examined by Mr Beresford, with the help of industry publication Parking Review before a shortlist of 35 was drawn up.

The awards up for grabs included worst for paint scrapes, worst for losing your car and worst for skidding.

After he had driven around the Vale car park he said: "Nestled between the Abbey and the River Avon, you could not wish for a more picturesque setting.

"The cave-like entrance, however, made things difficult and it took all my reversing skills to park without scratching the car's paint-work."

AA insurance spokesman Ian Crowder said: "While this is relatively light-hearted, there is a serious message to this survey because around 20 per cent of all insurance claims come from car parks.

"What we are trying to do is raise awareness that people should look after their car when they go into a car park."

Bob Carr, manager of the Riverside Shopping Centre, which is owned by insurance giant Axa Sunlife, declined to comment on the findings of the national survey.

The country's best car park, according to the survey, was in East Anglia.