QUEENS Park has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award by Keep Britain Tidy.

Fondly referred to as the "Jewel in Crewe's crown" the Grade II listed park also picked up a Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of its historic features, which is supported by Historic England.

Queens Park's famous heritage include its Victorian clock tower and the imposing Boer War Memorial.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

Congleton Park, Sandbach Park and Milton Park in Alsager are among six other parks and green spaces in Cheshire East that will be able to raise Green Flag Awards.

Congleton Park also achieved Green Heritage Site Accreditation.

Cllr Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member with responsibility for green space, said: "I'm delighted that our beautiful parks have been recognised in this prestigious way. This year has been a very challenging year for everyone, with our public open spaces being a lifeline for many.

"To be able to continue to care for such precious historic sites in such difficult circumstances is a real demonstration of the dedication of our staff and volunteers."

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE 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."

The seven parks are part of the 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award for 2020.