For the first time in its history, Bradgate Park has been recognised as a Green Heritage site – as well as securing a prestigious Green Flag award for a second year running.

The attraction, between Coalville and Newtown Linford, is the first in Leicestershire to secure such heritage status, as well as being among more than 2,000 locations to be added to the list of this year's very best parks and beauty spots.

Bradgate now ranks alongside East Midlands neighbours, such as Wollaton Park in Nottingham and Derby Arboretum, which are also recognised as Green Heritage Sites for their interesting history.

Run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, the Green Flag award scheme sets the standard for the management of parks and beaches and inspires people to be litter-free, to waste less and live more sustainably.

The scheme is also dedicated to recognising heritage through the Green Heritage Site accreditation, supported by Historic England.

James Dymond, director of Bradgate Park Trust, said: "To be recognised as an accredited Green Heritage Site alongside the Green Flag award is a huge honour. Last year was a first for us in the scheme, and now this is a first too.

"Bradgate is one of Leicestershire's most popular parks and the accolades received stand as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams to bring history to life and make the park a green space that everyone can enjoy.

"We've got some exciting things in store that support our new heritage status, such as historic walks, and a project studying the ruins to determine future conservation and repair needs.

"Our teams have been working extremely hard in the past year to go greener, cleaner, bigger and better. It's brilliant to have our unique park recognised and establishing more of a national presence."

Bradgate Park is one of 135 Green Heritage sites in the UK and joins Leicestershire County Council-run attractions Beacon Hill Country Park, near Loughborough, Market Bosworth Country Park, Snibston Colliery Park and Watermead Country Park (North) near Syston in making the Green Flag Award list.

The park was given to the people of Leicestershire by landowner Charles Bennion in the 1920s to be run in trust for them and has thrived over the years.

Nick Rushton, chair of Bradgate Park Trust, said: "Bradgate has long been one of the best parks in Leicestershire pulling in visitors from near and far.

"We're blessed to have such rich ecology and wildlife across Leicestershire parks and I'd encourage people to get out and explore the county this summer, taking in the award-winning parks and all they have to offer."

Paul Todd MBE, Keep Britain Tidy's accreditation manager, said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Bradgate Park in achieving a Green Flag award.

"Bradgate Park is a vital green space for the community in Leicester and Leicestershire, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement."

A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available HERE.