The Countess of Chester Country Park has been recognised among the UK's best green spaces for the ninth year running.

Situated beside the Countess of Chester Hospital, the park has once again retained its Green Flag Award, joining 2,391 sites across the UK to receive the accolade.

The award follows a standout year for the park, which was named community space of the year at the Land Trust's Managing Partners Awards and recently celebrated 10 years of parkrun.

The Green Flag was raised last week by Nicola Perrins, event director for Chester parkrun, marking a decade since the weekly event began at the park.

She was joined by Cllr Simon Eardley, Chester MP Samantha Dixon, representatives from Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Countess of Chester Hospital, Friends of Countess of Chester Country Park and The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), alongside local residents.

A new flail mower, named Tinkerbell by the MP, was also unveiled. It has been provided on long-term loan by Life for a Life Memorial Forest charity to TCV and the Friends of Countess of Chester Country Park, helping to support the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the park.

Andy Scargill, chair of the Friends of Countess of Chester Country Park, said the award was "fantastic recognition" for the volunteers, partners and supporters who help maintain the park.

He said: "What makes the park special is the warm welcome people receive when they visit – whether that's by taking part in parkrun, joining a walking group, volunteering, or simply enjoying some time outdoors.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

"The park brings people together and helps them connect with nature. We're delighted to see its value recognised once again through this prestigious award."

Jon Develing, director of strategy and partnerships at Countess of Chester Hospital, said the award reflected the work of partner organisations and highlighted the park's role in supporting health, wellbeing and rehabilitation.

He said: "Access to green spaces is linked to improved health outcomes, and the park supports a wide range of therapeutic activities that promote health, wellbeing and rehabilitation."

Sarah Palgrave-Neath, Head of Estates North for the Land Trust, said: "Receiving this award for the ninth-year running is something we are immensely proud of.

"It reflects the continued commitment, care and enthusiasm that so many people invest in Countess of Chester Country Park throughout the year."