A PARK and gardens is one of only five in the country to have won a top environmental award every year since the scheme started.

Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley has been given the Green Flag for the 14th consecutive year and also received a Green Heritage award.

The awards scheme recognises the nation’s best green spaces.

Its 65 hectares of gardens, surrounding the Grade I listed 1537 country house, includes a topiary, greenhouses, rose and herb gardens and a sub-tropical plant house In 2007 it was restored and developed in a £5.5m project.

Estate manager Tony Nield said: “Our success is down to one word - teamwork.

“Our staff and volunteers all get involved and do as much as they can.”