PLAYING fields in Thornbury have been recognised in a prestigious series of national awards celebrating the service it provides the town.

The Mundy Playing Fields were awarded four stars in the Pride of Parks award 2017 as part of the judging it underwent for Britain in Bloom.

The award recognised the council staff’s work in maintaining the site for the public and keeping the environment clean.

It also acknowledged the varied mix of uses by the community, and the well developed links with the community through events such as Thornbury Carnival, the Round Table fireworks display and the many sports clubs that use the sites.

Thornbury was proclaimed “Champion of Champions” in the South West in Bloom awards last year, propelling it into the national contest this year (see page seven).

As part of the judging in last year’s competition, the council’s playing fields supervisor Paul LeRiche took the judge round the playing fields last summer.

The award was presented to Mr LeRiche and Cllr Clive Parkinson during a special In Bloom event at Thornbury Castle.

Mr LeRiche said: “I am chuffed to bits that the hard work of the town council staff over a large number of years is being recognised.”

Cllr Clive Parkinson, chairman of Thornbury Town Council’s playing fields and cemetery committee, said everyone was very proud to accept the award.

“The council staff have over a number of years dedicated themselves to the maintenance of the playing fields and it is fantastic that the investment from the town council and hard work from the council staff has been recognised in this award.”