Blenheim Gardens in Minehead gas received a Green Flag Award for the first time thanks to the hard work of Somerset Wet and Taunton Council’s grounds team and local volunteers.

The six-acre space public space been maintained through close working partnerships with SWAT’s cleansing contractor idverde and Minehead Town Council.

Created in the 1920s, the park is now a mature and sheltered haven popular with residents and visitors. It has spring and summer bedding displays, and a wide range of trees, shrubs and perennials and it also boasts a bandstand for summer weekend concerts.

The Green Flag Awards scheme, which has international recognition, is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Cllr Richard Lees, executive member for sports, parks and leisure, said: “These awards are a sign to the public that our parks and open spaces boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.”

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, these parks and open spaces have achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”