THE Countess of Chester Country Park was one of a record number of green spaces to collect a Green Flag Award today.

The popular park in Upton has been recognised for the second consecutive year by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world.

The Countess of Chester Country Park joins four other green spaces owned and managed by the Land Trust awarded recognition.

The park is among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

The park is located adjacent to the Countess of Chester hospital and was opened officially in 2014, having been transformed from a landfill site.

Sarah Palgrave-Neath, estates manager at the Land Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for second year.

“We know how much quality green spaces can positively benefit the community and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining the park to such a high standard.

“The Friends of the park play a fantastic part in making the space so successful. We are extremely lucky to have such a dedicated force of volunteers who regularly maintain, develop and welcome visitors to the park.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd added: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.”

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”

Everyone is welcome to join the Friends group in celebrating the park’s recent success at the annual Picnic in the Park event on Saturday , August 3, from 11-3. There will be a variety of activities available for all of the family, including MowMow rock painting, and wildlife spotting.