Here's why the bandstand at Rugby's Caldecott Park is going to be lit up in green

The bandstand at Caldecott Park will be lit up in green today, October 14, to celebrate its success in the Green Flag Awards.

The town's premier park held on to the prestigious prize for the thirteenth year in a row, and Newbold's Centenary Park was awarded a Green Flag for a fifth year.

And Millennium Green, in Craven Road, and New Bilton's Gladstone Green both retained Green Flags for a fourth year, together with the grounds at Rainsbrook Crematorium.

The Green Flag Awards, organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, aim to raise standards in parks and green spaces across the country, promoting well-maintained and well-managed parks with excellent facilities.

Judges assess each park put forward for the award against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.

With the coronavirus pandemic putting paid to traditional award ceremonies, Green Flag has launched #GoGreenForParks - a campaign calling for parks and landmarks across the country to be lit up in green today (Wednesday 14 October) to celebrate the role green spaces play in communities and pay tribute to the staff and volunteers who keep our parks spick and span.

Cllr Howard Roberts, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for environment and public realm, said the council was delighted to support #GoGreenForParks and celebrate the borough's Green Flag success.

"We're proud of our track record of creating and maintaining quality parks and green spaces across the borough, giving our residents safe environments to exercise in, explore and enjoy," he added.

"The important role our parks play has been brought into focus during the lockdown restrictions, and our success in the Green Flag Awards provides a fitting tribute to the hard work of our parks and grounds team, and volunteers and residents, who help maintain our green spaces all year round."

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: "This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline, and we know millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

"It is a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Rugby Borough Council has achieved the highest standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."