BARNOLDSWICK'S Valley Gardens park has held on to its Green Flag status - making it one of the best parks in the country.

The park is one of seven in Pendle to either retain or be granted the Green Flag Award, given for being welcoming places with eco-friendly environments including natural habitats for wildlife.

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “This announcement is a credit to hard working staff, park friends groups and people who help out on volunteering days.We are very lucky to have so many wonderful parks here in Pendle with great facilities such as playgrounds, cafes, picnic areas, free tennis and bowling."

Phil Riley, the council's green spaces manager, said:“We are indebted to people who volunteer in our local parks, helping with tree planting, creating wildflower meadows, organising events, litter picking and more.

“The Green Flag inspectors were very positive about our rewilding and differential mowing introduction in our parks, which has allowed for greater biodiversity and habitat creation for pollinators.

"We’re always encouraging more residents to come forward and volunteer a little of their time to help us continue to provide these wonderful spaces."

Anyone interested in volunteering can email the parks team at: parks@pendle.gov.uk or ring Phil Riley on 01282 66158

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces.