A COMMUNITY beacon has been ranked one of the best green spaces in the country for a third year running.

In what has become an annual event Ulverston's Ford Park has been awarded Green Flag status by Keeping Britain Tidy.

This award is the equivalent to the Blue Flag rating given to beaches, recognising the highest environmental standards, natural beauty and outstanding visitor facilities.

Ford Park's chief executive, Ali Alger, was overjoyed the park had secured the accolade for the third year in succession.

She said: "It's absolutely fantastic, it's a true testament to everybody involved in the park - the volunteers, Cat (Moffatt) the volunteer manager, Sarah (McCormack) the head gardener, just the fact that the community are getting more involved with the park."

Miss Moffatt added: "It's kind of recognition for all of the staff who are here on a day to day basis, we know that and we love them and celebrate them, but having a big flag to show the world is really, really great."

Ford Park was one of only 1,800 parks and green spaces in the UK which received the award.

With their third flag in as many years, Mrs Alger said as well as being a great achievement, their Green Flag status would help attract grants and funding, which are essential to the park's survival.

To learn more about what is on offer at Ford Park, visit their website by clicking here.