Volunteers wave their new flag at Barnsbury Square Gardens

A COMMUNITY garden has won a prestigious green space award.

Staff and volunteers looking after Barnsbury Square Gardens scooped recognition from Keep Britain Tidy’s annual scheme.

Lucy Kilborn, from the Friends of Barnsbury Gardens, said: “The green space has a role in helping people’s mental health. I think the physical colour of the park and physically moving through the space helps people.”

She said the park had been part of her life for 15 years and that sections of the community come together to help out.

Ms Kilborn added that the award was not an overnight success, and it took “quite a lot of years and a lot of working together” to accomplish.

Paul Todd, Keep Britain Tidy’s award scheme manager, said: “Barnsbury Square Gardens is a vital green space for communi­ties in Barnsbury to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health.

“We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”