Bolton is flying the flag for its greenspaces after one of its parks was officially recognised as one of the country's best parks.

Queens Park has been awarded the coveted Green Flag Award - the award is the international quality mark for UK parks and green spaces

The council say that parks and green spaces are vital for people's well being, particularly over lockdown and the award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that 'make the green space a great place that everyone can enjoy'.

Cllr Nadim Muslim, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Queens Park has once again achieved Green Flag status for the 7th year running.

“The standard required to achieve Green Flag status is extremely high and a great deal of effort is put in behind the scenes by both park staff and volunteers to ensure Queens Park looks fantastic all year around.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Accreditation Manager Paul Todd said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Queens Park worthy of a Green Flag Award.

The Bolton News: Friends of Longsight ParkFriends of Longsight Park

“Queens Park is a vital green space for the community in Bolton. This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

In addition, Longsight Park in Harwood, which is maintained by volunteers, has been awarded a Green Flag Community Award for the third year running.

Jane Wilcock from Friends of Longsight Park said: “We are thrilled to have achieved our third successive Community Green Flag for our work in Longsight Park.

“We are always looking for volunteers, to join us please email friendsoflongsightpark@hotmail.co.uk”.