A ROMSEY park has received a prestigious award for the tenth consecutive year.

The War Memorial Park was presented with a Green Flag Award, which it has received every year for more than a decade.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

One of the market town's groups that contributes to the upkeep of the park is Friends of Romsey War Memorial Park.

Their chairperson, Cupernham councillor Dorothy Baverstock, says she is delighted by the recognition.

"It is fantastic to again be recognised," she added.

"Every year I always get nervous before the awards are releaved, but when I hear that we got it I get a bit blasé!"

The park is also attracting more families, which Cllr Baverstock says is "what the park is all about."

Other members of the Friends, Chris and Denise Amery also voiced their delight.

"It is great for the park," said Chris.

"Our aim is to keep adding improvements to the park every year, no matter the size."

Denise added: "More and more people are coming to the park, and that is great to see."

As well as a play area, which Test Valley Borough Council are in the process of renovating, the park also offers a café and free-to-use tennis courts.

Elsewhere in the county, Valley Park Woodlands Local Nature Reserve and Rooksbury Mill Local Nature Reserve have also been recognised the award scheme.

The outdoor spaces are among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that will receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

Community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor Tony Ward, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive three Green Flag Awards for another year. We know how much it means to residents and visitors to have high quality green spaces, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining all three of our parks to such a high standard.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”