Gloucester Park has been given a coveted Green Flag award and received glowing praise from judges who said the park felt 'safe and vibrant'.

A Green Flag is an international quality mark for parks and green spaces similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and is awarded by Keep Britain Tidy to well looked after parks and green spaces.

Gloucester City Council, which manages the 200-year-old park, welcomed the news which saw judges praise its programme of improvements with local partners, including upgrading lighting and signage, and a consultation focusing on the safety of female park users.

Judges also highlighted other initiatives by the council such as the successful project to grow native wildflowers, due to be extended this year, along with the planting of a new orchard.

They also applauded the many volunteers who've carried out litter-picking and work to repair the park's aviary as well as the dedication of the Park Forum and the skate park users.

Judges said: "This park is a great example of how you can change public perception of a green space and make it really valued by its community", adding that they could see how 'hard work from officers and the community has resulted in investment in the park with the right variety of facilities for people to both feel safe and enjoy this greenspace".

The report also said that the "park feels open, safe and vibrant, with so many different types of user" and boasted many popular events including the annual lantern parade, Gloucester Pride and Kings Jam Festival, concluding that it was "definitely worthy of a Green Flag".

Cllr Sebastian Field, cabinet member for environment at Gloucester City Council, said: "I'm delighted that Gloucester Park has finally received a Green Flag, which is the highest accolade a park can achieve.

"I'd like to thank officers and members of our local community whose hard work has made such a difference and was clearly recognised by the visiting judges. Green spaces are vital to our wellbeing and help to build a sense of community where people can come together and enjoy being outdoors."