AN allotment site in Christchurch is celebrating after receiving a prestigious Green Flag Award for the seventh year running.

Roeshot Hill Allotments has received the Community Award following a visit by an assessor in June.

The scheme, which is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is now in its 22nd year and more Green Flag Awards were handed out than ever before with 1,883 Green Flags awarded to green spaces across the UK.

Roeshot Hill Allotments boasts full, half and quarter plots for gardeners of all ages as well as association built raised bed plots for the disabled.

John Batchelor, chairman of Roeshot Hill Allotments, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the 7th time.

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

“The association has worked very hard this year, not only in maintaining the site but to purchase, install and fit out two new sea containers to replace vandalised wooden sheds and stolen equipment. It has been very pleasing to see an increase in the number younger of young plot holders.”

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.”