ABBEY Gardens in Abingdon has been recognised as one of the 'great green spaces and parks in the country' for the 11th year in a row.

The area, which is also a scheduled ancient monument, has again been awarded in the Green Flag Awards scheme.

Maintained by Vale of White Horse District Council, it received its first Green Flag in 2009 following a five-year restoration project to transform the site to the way it looked in its Victorian heyday. The award aims to celebrate high environmental standards.

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The Green Flag site says of the park: “The Abbey Gardens offers visitors a quiet retreat where they can relax, enjoy the flower displays, explore the archaeology or take part in informal recreational activities. The park also hosts a number of community events throughout the year."

Vale of White Horse district councillor Jenny Hannaby said: "We are so pleased to receive a Green Flag Award for the Abbey Gardens yet again.

"It shows that we have achieved the high standards expected by those giving the award and can maintain them too."

Councillor Helen Pighills, local ward member, said: “The council staff and our contractors really care for the gardens well, so that residents and visitors alike have been able to enjoy them over the years and will continue to do so in the future.”