A HISTORIC Worcester park that was the scene of fighting in the English Civil War has been named among the UK's best.

Fort Royal Park, site of the final battle of the English Civil War in 1651, has been awarded the coveted Green Flag award.

It becomes the third city park – following Gheluvelt and Cripplegate – to receive the accolade, intended as a sign to the public that sites boast the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Cllr Lynn Denham, vice chairman of Worcester City Council’s communities committee and chairman of the Friends of Fort Royal Park, said: "The Friends of Fort Royal Park are absolutely thrilled.

"It has been our ambition to raise the status of the park to Green Flag level for the last five years, putting Fort Royal on the same level as Worcester’s other premier parks, so this is fantastic news.”

Fort Royal Park is located south-east of the city centre, with the main entrance on Wylds Lane.

It is of critical historical significance to the city, as the site of the 1651 Battle of Worcester, the final battle of the English Civil War, and was also visited by the second and third Presidents of the United States of America, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who were keen to see the site they regarded as the place where democracy was effectively born.

Cllr Mike Johnson, chairman of the communities committee, said: “For Worcester City Council to have three of its parks recognised as being among the best in the country is a remarkable achievement.

"I want to thank the council staff, the friends groups and all the many volunteers and partners who help to make our parks the beautiful places they are.”

Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”