THE Riverside park in Chester-le-Street has been awarded a Green Flag - the first area of green space in County Durham to receive the honour this year.
The area, which is popular with families and anglers, received the award from The Civic Trust.
In its inspection report, the trust said the Riverside was "an excellent facility for residents and visitors to Chester-le-Street. The management team delivers a very high standard of expertise and the maintenance of the park is exceptionally good".
The park has recently been improved with the construction of a footpath, the purchase of two pieces of play equipment and the installation of a safety surface to improve access, especially for children with disabilities.
Chester-le-Street District Council has made £10,000 available to fund further improvements.
Riverside operations manager Julie Lewcock received the award with Jill McCardle from Empower, an organisation for adults with learning difficulties. Its members have taken part in a range of environmental activities at the park in the past three years.
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