BOTH Wellington Park and Swains Lane Nature Reserve in the town have won prestigious Green Flag awards.

The nature reserve has again won a Community Green Flag award and Wellington Park has also won a Green Flag Heritage award.

A record-breaking 1,686 parks and green spaces across the UK have won the Green Flag Award. The award, now celebrating its 20th year, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Cllr Catherine Herbert, Executive Councillor for Sport, Parks and Leisure at Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive Green Flag Awards again from Keep Britain Tidy.

“We are proud that we can once again

|ly the Green Flag in our wonderful open spaces.

“This award recognises and highlights that people in Taunton Deane are benefiting from a green space of the very highest quality.

“This would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of the many volunteers and Friends groups, as well as our own team of open spaces staff.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the awards.

“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”