ORGANISATIONS across Wiltshire are celebrating after Green Flag Awards were given out to parks and other outdoor spaces.

In Chippenham John Coles Park, which is owned and managed by Chippenham Town Council, has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world.

The tree-lined park is often referred to as one of the most attractive and best managed parks in Wiltshire.

Councillor Teresa Hutton, Chair of Chippenham Town Council’s Amenities, Culture and Leisure committee, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for John Coles Park for the first time.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining John Coles Park to such a high standard.”

John Coles Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of Chippenham regularly attracting 1,500 people on a sunny, summer weekend.

The park offers a large area of open space and a circular walk through mature trees. It is maintained to its consistent high standard.

In Devizes Hillworth Park has also kept its Green Flag status for 2019.

Devizes Mayor Judy Rose said: “We are all extremely pleased to have received the Green Flag for a sixth successive year.

“It is incredibly hard to gain the first award, however, it is even tougher to keep it year on year. Knowing how successful the park is, the judges’ expectations are always high and once again the team have exceeded their expectations. Well done Hillworth Park.”

The honour has also gone to the Kennet and Avon canal, which is 87 miles long and runs through Berkshire, Wiltshire and Somerset

It is another well used rural attraction which has retained its Green Flag Award.

The Canal & River Trust said the honour confirms that the waterways have the highest possible environmental standards, are well-maintained and play an important role in the local community.

Caroline Robson, community engagement manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “ This would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers who give up their time to help us care for the canals and the people who support us through their donations.

“Credit for this award is really for them.

“We know that time spent by water is good for your wellbeing so we’re encouraging everyone to come and see for themselves why the (green) flags are flying for our wonderful waterways.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “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.”

The award is a sign that the park or open space is family friendly.