BROMSGROVE'S Sanders Park is officially one of the best in England and Wales.

The picturesque 40-acre park, off Kidderminster Road, has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag by the Civic Trust. Meanwhile Worcestershire County Council's Waseley Hills Country Park has retained its Green Flag award for the fourth year.

The award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales and is equal to the Blue Flag for beaches.

Councillor June Griffiths, (Con-Alvechurch) cabinet member on Bromsgrove Council responsible for culture and community services, said: "We are absolutely delighted at receiving this coveted accolade, putting us well and truly on the map. The council, members and staff, have worked very hard over the last two years to make sure the park reached this high national standard and we are pleased that our efforts have been recognised.

"We are fully committed to improving the quality of all our parks in the Bromsgrove district and will be using Sanders Park as our benchmark for the others parks in the area."

Rob Heard, Bromsgrove Council's parks and community services manager, said: "It is not just down to how the park looks, but many other things as well, such as promoting a healthy lifestyle for local residents and visitors to the park, and providing activities and facilities that local people want.

"We have recently completed the new play area and skate-park, introduced catering facilities, provided outdoor table tennis, installed more seating and waste bins, provided a new timber bowling pavilion in partnership with Bromsgrove Town Bowling Club, improved our floral displays and produced leaflets about the park and its history. And it doesn't stop there - we have more plans for improvements in the future," he added.

As well as being recognised for being well managed with high quality visitor facilities, Waseley Hills was also praised for having good links with the local community.

County councillor Derek Prodger (Con, Worcs-Bedwardine) cabinet member for environment, said: "The country park deserves every plaudit for getting this award again."