A Church Gresley park has scored a hat-trick after it was recognised for its “excellent facilities” with a Green Flag Award, for the third year running.

Maurice Lea Memorial Park has been ranked among the finest in the UK after it was awarded the flag for boasting the highest possible environmental standards, beautiful maintenance and excellent facilities.

The awards scheme, run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department of Communities and Local Government, has led to a record-breaking 1,797 parks and green spaces flying the Green Flag in 2017.

Councillor Jim Hewlett, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council’s Housing and Community Services Committee, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for Maurice Lea Memorial Park for the third year running.

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

“The people of South Derbyshire deserve the very best public facilities and that is what we are striving to give them.”

The Council is entering the final year of a three-year Parklife Project to develop physical activity in the District’s four urban parks – Maurice Lea, Eureka Park, Newhall Park and Swadlincote Woodlands.

Its focus is on providing a range of free or low-cost activities to attract more people into the parks and to involve them in their development and management.

The parks host a whole range of activities and events, from weekly walks and school sports days to the annual South Derbyshire Festival of Leisure at Maurice Lea.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

Maurice Lea has made Gresley Carnival a success for decades

Gresley Carnival in June 1988 was hailed as "the best ever" by organisers, despite fears it may not go ahead.

The streets were lined with cheering people while Maurice Lea Memorial Park was packed with stalls and attractions.

A few months before the big day, organisers were forced to call an emergency meeting in a bid to attract more helpers.

Around 20 people responded to the plea from the Gresley Ward Community Committee which was enough to save the carnival.

The overall winner of the float contest was Gresley Beavers with its anniversary celebrations of the Dandy and Beano comics while second were St George's C of E Primary School with a medieval theme and third was St George's and St Mary's Sunday School with "All Things Bright and Beautiful".

The parade was late leaving the common because so many floats turned up before it finally started on its three-mile route around Gresley.

Among the floats were a 1958 Rolls Dennis fire engine and an American six-wheeled Mack towing truck which at 48-years-old still had enough power to pull a 38-tonne truck.

The carnival atmosphere was started early in the day by The Creators Steel Band when they performed in Swadlincote town centre during the morning and in the main arena during the afternoon.

The day was officially opened by the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Marjorie Kenning.