PRINCES Park has won a top award for being the best non-league stadium of 2006.

Dartford FC's home since November 11 was picked for the prestigious award by Groundtastic magazine.

The publication is seen as the Bible for football grounds and its prizes are viewed in the business as the Oscars of non-league football stadiums.

Dartford Council funded the £6.5m project. Council leader Councillor Jeremy Kite said: "I'm proud Princes Park has been recognised as the best non-league ground last year.

"When we set out to build the stadium we wanted an iconic building which football fans and the community could view with pride, so the award is justification for taking a different route."