THREE of Falmouth's parks have once again be awarded prestigious Green Flags thanks to the hard work of the dedicated team of Cormac gardeners and community volunteers.

It is the fourth consecutive year that Gyllyngdune Gardens has won the accolade and not the first time either for nearby Queen Mary Gardens not Falmouth Town Council controlled Kimberley Park.

The Green Flag Awards were first launched in 1996, with high standards having to be achieved to gain this international accolade. It is the parks and open spaces equivalent of the Blue Flag awarded to outstanding beaches.

The sweeping subtropical gardens at Gyllyngdune, which overlook Falmouth Bay, were judged on several areas including their conservation and heritage, sustainability, local community involvement, cleanliness, customer service and horticultural excellence.

Jacqui Owen, visitor and education officer at the gardens, said “We have a fantastic team here and are really proud that all the hard work and dedication has been recognised with this award. Gyllyngdune has so much to offer with beautiful gardens, mixed with local heritage, fun activities and great facilities. So many people, including the staff, the Cormac gardening team, community volunteers and schools, have been involved in gaining this award. It is fantastic that Gyllyngdune has been recognised for being the special place that it is. We are absolutely delighted”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: "We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."