ST Nicholas Fields in Tang Hall, York, has been recognised as one of the country’s best green spaces.

The nature reserve has won a Commmunity Award, part of the Green Flag Award scheme, which recognises and rewards the best community run parks in the country.

St Nicholas Fields, formerly a rubbish tip, stood out after impressing judges with excellent facilities including well-managed green space and amenities as well as the dedication of volunteers and a high level of community involvement.

John Brierley, project co-ordinator with the Friends of St Nicholas Fields, said: “St Nicks is a unique green space – transformed into what it is today by the work of hundreds, probably thousands, of volunteers, who have cleared rubbish, built paths, sown wildflower meadows and planted trees and shrubs.

It is now home to a wide variety of wildlife and a great place for people locally to enjoy.

“The Community Award is a tribute to all those people who have, over the last 20 years, helped to create this fantastic green space.”