BRIGHTON’S largest park has been recognised as one of the best in the country after a multi-million-pound restoration.

Stanmer Park was awarded a Green Flag, recognising the park as one of the best in the country and taking the number of award-winning parks in Brighton and Hove to eight.

A £5.1 million project to restore the park’s historic Walled Gardens, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Brighton and Hove City Council, Plumpton College and the South Downs National Authority, was completed last year.

Seven other parks in the city were re-awarded Green Flags for excellence; Easthill Park, Hove Park, Kipling Gardens, Preston Park, St Ann’s Well Gardens, Stoneham Park and The Level.

Councillor Amy Heley, who co-chairs the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “For the past two years and green spaces have played a vital role for people during lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely.

“Therefore, I’m thrilled that so many of our city parks have been awarded Green Flags - it is a fitting tribute to our dedicated staff, friends groups and volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure that the quality is maintained, and our parks and gardens are a pleasure to visit all year round.

“With Green Flags flying in parks in Brighton, Hove, Portslade and Rottingdean, it is a real city-wide success story.”

The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

The awards recognise and reward well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces from across the UK and around the world.

Paul Todd, accreditation manager for Keep Britain Tidy, congratulated everyone involved in making Stanmer Park worthy of a Green Flag Award.

He said: “Stanmer Park, and the other parks also receiving Green Flags this year, are vital green spaces for the community in Brighton and Hove.

“This award is testament to all the hard work of staff and volunteers, who do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”