CHARD Reservoir has been voted as officially one of the best in the United Kingdom.

The 36.97 hectare nature reserve was given a prestigious Green Flag Award, a national initiative which awards high-quality parks around the country.

It was one of only three in South Somerset to be given the prestigious award, with Ham Hill Country Park and Yeovil Country Park also scooping the coveted award.

The reserve, a popular open space for residents, now has a green flag flying above it to show its quality, meaning that visitors will be able to instantly tell that the park is of top quality.

The awards are now in their 20th year, and were launched by the Keep Britain Tidy campaign group.

Councillor Sylvia Seal, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at South Somerset District Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for our three sites from Keep Britain Tidy.

“This award recognises and highlights that people in South Somerset are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality."

The park is managed by South Somerset District Council’s Countryside Team, who said they are "really pleased that again the Green Flag judges have recognised the high quality of our largest greenspaces here in South Somerset."

However, it is not just the quality of greenery that keeps people coming back to the park.

There are a host of events and fundraising schemes that are held by the friends groups, meaning it has become a real focal point for the community.

Hundreds of people attended the Chard Countryside Day on Saturday, July 16, which included a host of free family entertainment.

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, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Awards.

“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”