WORDEN Park in Leyland near Preston has pipped every other park in the area to win a coveted Green Flag prize.

The newly-introduced award scheme aims to set standards for public parks which meet the needs of the community.

Worden Park was highly commended by the judges for high standards in environmental protection and enhancement, use by the community and pleasant landscapes.

The judges were also impressed by the range of facilities, the park's programme of events and the full-time ranger service.

Councillor Alan Dawson, chairman of the South Ribble council's Recreation and Amenities Committee, said: "I hope this award will add weight to the application we hope to make to the English Heritage Lottery Fund next year in order to restore and develop the park."

The Green Flag mirrors the Blue Flag Awards given to recognise top beaches throughout the country.

Worden Park was once the home of a thriving red squirrel population, but with National Red Squirrel Week due to start, the reds have practically disappeared due to a huge growth in the number of grey squirrels.

National Red Squirrel Week aims to raise awareness to the plight of the red squirrel with a whole host of activities throughout the region.

Over 40 primary schools are holding special days to teach pupils about the red squirrel, including Caton Primary School, Lea Endowed School and North Preston Primary School. Charlie Ligget, a warden at the Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, will visit the children.

He said: "The greys are better in deciduous woodland than our native reds, so the reds get pushed out. It's like a competition - the reds get pushed onto the fringes and are hanging on in only a few places."

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