A WOODLAND park has won an award for its community work.
Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park in Billingham, Teesside, has won the Community Forest category of the North-East Community Forest Awards.
The award recognises the achievements of Stockton Borough Council and the local community groups which improved the profile of the park and the local environment.
Councillor Jean O'Donnell, cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, said: "This is great news for the park and recognises the years of hard work and effort from council officers, park rangers and local community groups and park visitors."
This award builds on the park's previous success last year, when it was awarded a Green Flag Award in recognition of its high standards.
The park's Environmental Trust will now work with park rangers to decide how the £1,000 prize money should be spent.
Countryside ranger Fiona Shipp said: "The site has been enhanced for wildlife while maintaining a balance with our human visitors.
"Within ten years the park has gone from bare fields to a real community woodland."
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