Richmond Park is delighted to be recognised as one of the best parks in the country after winning a prestigious Green Flag Award.

The Green Flag Awards are judged by professional park managers. To be successful, a park must be maintained to a high standard, be safe and secure, be sustainably managed and have significant involvement with the local community.

Richmond Park will be celebrating by displaying the new Green Flag at Holly Lodge with community members who helped the park to win the award.

Park Manager Simon Richards said:

"We have invited representatives of the many companies and organisations whose contributions have made winning this award possible.

"I would like to recognise the many volunteers who support the Holy Lodge Centre for those with special needs, and the Richmond Park Wildlife Group."

Richmond Park is a significant local employer with many people working in landscape maintenance, catering, sport and cleaning.

The Royal Parks Press Office on 020 7298 2128/ 2145

• The Green Flag Awards is a national scheme that recognises the best parks in the country.
• Richmond Park entered the competition for the first time in 2007 and is delighted to be awarded a Green Flag.