A COUNTRY park has received an award for being clean and welcoming to the public.

Shorne Woods Country Park (COR) in Brewers Road, Gravesend, has been given a Green Flag. The award nationally recognises quality parks and green spaces.

The flags are given for spaces which are seen to be safe, secure, well maintained and have the support of the local community.

Countryside officer for the park, Tim Bell, said: "We are delighted to win this award as it reflects the hard work the parks team has put into the site to conserve the natural environment and also provide a first class visitor experience."

The park is one of 22 which are run by Kent County Council (KCC) and this year a new adventure area for children, 114 acres of woodland and 10km of new trails have all been added.

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by urban environment charity the Civic Trust. The charity aims to promote improvements in the quality of urban life for people.