Pleasley Community Orchard has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the best parks or green spaces — and joins seven other recipients in the Mansfield area.

The orchard is among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces, and 131 in 13 other countries around the world, that has received a prestigious Green Flag Community Award.

The Orchard is on Teversal Avenue Green Space, located between Bagshaw Street and Teversal Avenue in Pleasley.

Matt Arnold, chair of The Friends of Pleasley Community Orchard and lay pioneer minister for Fresh Expressions, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for first time.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining the Orchard to such a high standard.

“It is high praise for our community, which has come together to create a place of beauty and peace, with a wide range of community events throughout the year as well as weekly groups, where life can be celebrated in all its fullness, mind, body and spirit.”

A flag raising event will be held and the Orchard Friends encourage people to visit its Facebook and website pages to learn more.

Seven parks and Local Nature Reserves in Mansfield district have again won prestigious Green Flag Awards.

The seven awards for green spaces owned and maintained by Mansfield District Council, include five parks – Carr Bank, Titchfield and King George V, all in Mansfield, plus Peafield and Yeoman Hill, in Mansfield Woodhouse – and two Local Nature Reserves at Quarry Lane, Mansfield, and The Carrs in Warsop.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”