Sandwell Valley among nine top parks and green spaces in Britain

The much-loved park in West Bromwich has been given a Special Award by the prestigious Green Flag scheme.

Green Flag judges say the Special Award is for showing outstanding benefits to both the site and the local community and Sandwell Valley is one of only nine other sites to receive the award.

Judges were impressed with a special trailer designed to accommodate wheelchair users, which is pulled around Sandwell Valley Country Park by a tractor giving people the chance to see parts of the site which are normally inaccessible.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme manager, said: "Congratulations to all the parks and green spaces who have received a Special Award for Innovation this year. All the judges who visited the sites where hugely impressed by the quality of projects that are running in parks across the UK.

"Research has shown that quality parks and green spaces play a vital role within their local communities. All the winners are perfect examples of how our green spaces can positively contribute to the local environment and bring the community together."