WOLLESCOTE Park has been flagged up as one of the best green spaces in the country.

The park was given a Green Flag Award, a national quality benchmark for parks which are inspected every year, on Monday (July 29) by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Other parks and nature reserves in the borough that proved a cut above the rest included Huntingtree Park and The Leasowes in Halesowen, Baggeridge Country Park in Gospel End near Sedgley and Netherton Park and Wrens Nest Nature Reserve in Dudley.

Judges were interested to hear how people had made a significant contribution towards the upkeep of the parks through Dudley Council’s ‘Love your Community’ initiative, which encourages community members to look after the areas in which they live.

Councillor Tracy Wood, Dudley’s cabinet member for environment and culture, said: “Dudley is a beautiful, green borough and we’re delighted that our green spaces are being recognised with this prestigious status.

“This accolade is with no small thanks to our local community members, volunteers, residents and friends groups who have worked hard to show how much they truly love our community.”

Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd added: “A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the hard work and dedication of all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who have helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.”