KEIGHLEY'S Cliffe Castle Park is flying the flag.

The popular site has not only retained coveted Green Flag Award status, but also a prestigious heritage accolade.

It has been declared a Green Heritage Site, the only Bradford-district park to hold the Historic England-backed honour.

To qualify for the heritage status, parks must meet good conservation standards, historic features have to be maintained and information provided for the public, and trees and plants should reflect the historical nature of the site.

Cliffe Castle Park, which is owned and managed by Bradford Council, was praised by judges for "ensuring the public can experience all of the site's rich natural, visual and physical heritage through the whole year".

Tribute was paid to staff, Cliffe Castle Support Group and other volunteers for their work to restore and maintain the park and share its heritage through events and guided tours.

Also, Green Flag Award assessors highlighted the efforts of volunteers and park management teams, plus the "well-maintained grass areas, the reintroduction of Victorian plants, the range of events and a clear recognition and aim to support the diverse community around the park".

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for healthy people and places, says: "This 'double award' is fantastic news for all those who work so hard to make Cliffe Castle Park one of the gems of our district.

"Over the years the park has become an active part of the Keighley community, as well as attracting visitors from further afield. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving these two accolades."

Five other Bradford Council-owned parks across the district have also enjoyed Green Flag Award success.

They include Central Park at Haworth.

The awards scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Its aim is to recognise and celebrate well-managed parks and green spaces.

Paul Todd, Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award manager, says: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making parks worthy of an award.

"Parks are vital green spaces for communities, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.

"Staff and volunteers do so much to ensure parks maintain their high standards."

Councillor Ferriby adds: "We are very proud of our parks and green spaces which year-on-year are recognised by the Green Flag Awards, highlighting the work and commitment of our staff and many 'friends of' groups."