Gloucester has joined vibrant night-time destinations around the world, including places in Australia, New Zealand and Sweden, by winning the coveted Purple Flag.

It's the sixth time the city has won the Purple Flag award for its evening and night-time economy, which is awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM).

The flag is the gold standard for nightlife in towns and cities and is the equivalent of the Blue Flag for beaches or the Green Flag for parks.

It's given to places that provide a vibrant, diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture, while providing a safe and welcoming night out.

Judges visited the city and assessed it based on the following criteria:

• Wellbeing: successful destinations are safe and welcoming, with everyone playing their part in delivering high standards of customer care.

• Movement: getting home safely after an evening out is really important, as is the ability to move around the centre with ease.

• Appeal: successful destinations offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.

• Place: successful areas are alive during the day, as well as in the evening. They contain a blend of overlapping activities that encourage people to mingle and enjoy the place.

Gloucester City Council, Gloucestershire Constabulary, City Safe, Ubico, Gloucester LVA and the Gloucester BID all contributed to the city's application.

Cllr Raymond Padilla, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods at Gloucester City Council, said: "We're delighted that yet again we've won this prestigious award. A lot of work goes into making sure we have a vibrant and welcoming night-time economy and I'd like to congratulate everyone involved.

"Gloucester has so much to offer and with the massive regeneration taking place across the city, especially The Forum development, there will be even more on offer for visitors."

Laura Blake, advocacy and accreditation assistant at the ATCM, said: "Achieving Purple Flag status and maintaining the standard is a fantastic achievement, especially following the challenges of the last few years. The accreditation now covers more than 70 locations across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia.

"All areas focus on the vibrancy and diversity of the evening and night-time offer, as well as safety and good solid partnership working. Partners need to prove continuing commitment and dedication to maintain Purple Flag status, which Gloucester has demonstrated in their submission."