A park in Folkestone has been recognised for its quality with a national award - making it the third in its district.

Radnor Park has become the third open space in Folkestone and Hythe to be awarded a prestigious Green Flag, which was raised for the first time today.

Judges from Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the scheme for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, visited earlier this year to see if the park met strict criteria.

It considers if the area is welcoming, healthy, safe and secure, and well-maintained and clean.

The area received a major regeneration last year including the opening of a new children’s play area, the refurbishment of a park keeper’s lodge into new tea room run by East Kent College [EKC], and the reinstatement of a water fountain and statue of Folkestone’s patron saint, St Eansywythe.

The Radnor Park Community Group, led by Susie Illman, raised a staggering £110,000 towards new play equipment.

It includes a six-metre high climbing net, zipwire, swings, including parent and child shared swings, adventure areas, and a railway-themed toddler zone.

The project was also supported by Folkestone Town Council.

Leader of Folkestone and Hythe District Council, Cllr David Monk, said: "Radnor Park is a wonderful green space that is accessible to hundreds of local people and it has always been popular for sport and leisure.

"We delighted to lead the project to restore the tea room and support the creation of the children’s play area which has made it even more attractive.

"This has been the result of a real partnership and a lot of people played their part in helping this wonderful park secure its first Green Flag."

Cllr Ann Berry, Mayor of Folkestone, said: "A lot of hard work went into the wonderful new play area.

"Susie Illman and her supporters were key to making it and I am sure they will share our pride when they see the Green Flag flying.”

Claire Miller, EKC’s commercial business manager, said: "It’s wonderful to see this great partnership project between our college and the council celebrated with a Green Flag Award.

"It’s so important for Folkestone College to deliver real benefits for our community, and the tearoom has helped do this, with loyal customers who’ve been wonderfully supportive of the tearoom.

"This partnership project with the council has given our students amazing learning opportunities and the tearoom continues to do so.

"We look forward to seeing Radnor Park continue to flourish in the future."

In the same annual awards announced in July, Folkestone Coastal Park and the Hythe Royal Military Canal were awarded their 12th and 9th Green Flag.