THORNTON Hough’s village green was officially awarded Green Flag status for the eighth year running today.

The event, which was attended by Wirral Mayor Moira McLaughlin, celebrated the area being given the prestigious award for its facilities and maintenance.

It was one of 12 parks and open spaces across the borough to be recognised in July and Cllr Moira McLaughlin raised the flag with children from Thornton Hough Primary School.

Thornton Hough Community Trust member, Marla Johnson, said: “We were the first village green in the country to get a Green Flag and we are very proud of it. It is a beautiful space for the local residents to use and the children know to keep it clean and tidy.”

Other Wirral parks receiving Green Flags this year are: Ashton Park, West Kirby; Wirral Country Park; Birkenhead Park; Coronation Gardens, West Kirby; Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve, Bromborough; Eastham Country Park; Royden Park, Frankby; Hilbre Island; Vale Park, New Brighton; The Arno Gardens, Oxton and Bidston Hill.