BELLE VUE Park has been awarded a Green Flag for the tenth year in a row.

Friends of Belle Vue Park, the community group that has transformed the park over the last few years, welcomed the award during a special presentation last week.

Alexandra Park and Windsor Gardens have also been awarded Green Flag’s for the first time.

The Green Flag award seeks to recognise and reward the best parks and green spaces in the country as well as driving up the quality of green space.

Phil Beaman, Operational Manager for Parks and Grounds Maintenance for the Vale Council, said: “I would like to thank all those involved in this tremendous success, as their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm has raised the quality of the parks for the local communities and visitors.”

Feedback from the judging panel was hugely positive, commending the parks on their cleanliness, their management, and their sense of community.

Cllr Gwyn John, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sport, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the achievement and I would like to thank all the staff for their enthusiasm and commitment. My special thanks go to John Greatrex who has done a superb job for the Council in putting this scheme together.”

Following on from the success of the Music in the Park festival, Friends of Belle Vue Park also have a number of other events lined up over the next few weeks.

They will be holding a community fence painting weekend on August 30 and August 31 with members of the public invited to attend and help out.

There will also be refreshments and a range of fun activities over the weekend.

On Saturday, September 13, Friends of Belle Vue Park will also be hosting a Centenary Day where there will be food, refreshments, fancy dress, fun learning activities for the children, an official opening of the park’s fountain and the burying of a time capsule.

More information about both events is available in the park and on the Friends of Belle Vue Park Facebook page.