A PARK has retained its Green Flag award for the sixth year in a row.

Pennington Hall Park on St Helens Road, Leigh, is among 1,476 parks and green spaces that have received or retained a Green Flag award this year.

A Green Flag, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Trisha Taylor, from the Friends of Pennington Hall Park, said: “This year we have not only opened Pennington Tea Rooms but gym equipment has been installed and we have lots of exciting events coming up.

“Lots of people have been coming to the park and everyone is saying it is going from strength to strength so it is nice to get that recognition.

“I hope it helps people understand what a friends group is and what we do because without the community and people coming to the park it wouldn’t be worthwhile.”

There will be a Last Night of the Proms event in the park on September 13 which will include music, a barbecue and the volunteer-run Pennington Tea Rooms will also be offering champagne afternoon teas.

The cafe, which has been open seven-days a week during the recent nice weather, hopes to open a farmers’ market and to display artefacts from Pennington Hall, which was demolished in 1963.

Stuart Murray, chief executive of WLCT which manages the park on behalf of Wigan Council, said: “Well done to everyone – from WLCT staff to friends of parks groups and our army of volunteers who work so hard to keep these parks at such a high standard for the benefit of the community.”

To find out more about the cafe or the friends group and how you can help, email fophp@hot mail.co.uk.