An overwhelming majority have voted to leave Union Terrace Gardens in its current state in a poll run by STV Local Aberdeen City.

Voters were given the chance to choose their preferred design from the six City Garden Project finalists, but it was a seventh option to preserve the gardens which received the vast majority of votes.

The option to maintain the gardens was the runaway favourite with 858 votes (74%).

Around 8000 people have visited a public exhibition showcasing six possible designs for the £140m City Garden Project since it opened to the general public last Wednesday.

Over 1100 took part in the STV poll with team four’s design finishing top of the six designs with 137 votes (12%). Team six was the next most popular with 67 votes.

Team two’s design, which includes a winter gardens as its main feature, has been a popular choice amongst those attending the exhibition but only received 35 votes in the poll.

Team five's plan was bottom of the pile with only ten votes. The full results of the poll are available on the STV Local Aberdeen Facebook page.

The City Garden Project exhibition, which is being held in the former Pier building at the Academy on Belmont Street, is open until November 2.

Aberdonian William Burnett, 75, was amongst those at the exhibition on Wednesday morning.

He said: "Number five is my preference as I like the way it utilises the arches. It is a simple design but very attractive. However, I would be quite happy if Union Terrace Gardens was just spruced up a little."

Harry Fyfe was full of praise for team two’s design, saying: "I really like the winter gardens feature. The real problem with Union Terrace Gardens at the moment is the lack of access for wheelchair users. The access to the park in design two would be much better."

Teresa Dossett, 46, said: "Design four is my favourite as it links to the buildings on Belmont Street well. Something needs to be done to make the gardens safer and number four looks lovely, although I was also impressed by team two’s design."

Meanwhile, primary 3 pupils from Gilcomstoun Primary School planted 2400 spring bulbs in Union Terrace Gardens on Wednesday morning with the help of their teacher Jennifer Winton and head gardener Ian Griffiths.

Mrs Winton said the pupils thoroughly enjoyed their trip to the gardens. She added: “With it being right on our doorstep it is a fantastic facility for the children to come down and play in.

“More and more children are living in flats and there are fewer play areas so it’s really important for them.”

Click here to see pictures of the Gilcomstoun pupils planting bulbs at Union Terrace Gardens and more vox-pops from the City Garden Project exhibition.