A park in South Cumbria has gained the Green Flag Award and is officially recognised as one of the country's best.

Ford Park in Ulverston bosses said they were thrilled to have received this ‘coveted’ award after achieving the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The Ford Park Community Group and the ‘wonderful’ volunteers are celebrating their success.

Ford Park said the news is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that cares for the green space so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy it.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Ford Park on achieving a Green Flag Award.

“Ford Park is a vital green space for communities in Ulverston and surrounding towns and villages to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement. 

"It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”

The team at Ford Park was thrilled to raise the flag, along with some of the many volunteers who help to maintain the park for the community to enjoy.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.