TROOPERS Hill Nature Reserve in St George has won a prestigious Green Flag award for the fifth time.

It is the only nature reserve in Bristol to receive this award, which is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.

It aims to encourage local authorities and residents to achieve high environmental standards in recreational green areas.

Friends of Troopers Hill, who care for the site in partnership with Bristol City Council, were delighted.

"It's been a fantastic week," said Susan Acton-Campbell, chairwoman of the friends group.

"We have been really busy supporting and enjoying the Wild River Festival, which still has another week to run in east Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

"We arranged a really successful Walking for Health walk and boat trip to complement the 'River Song' event featuring children singing river and water-themed songs at Beeses Riverside Bar and Tea Gardens.

"We also hosted the Purple Prowl on Troopers Hill, a wonderful walk guided by well-known local naturalist Rupert Higgins.

"So to top all this with news of a fifth Green Flag for Troopers Hill is wonderful.

"Thank you to everyone who cares for Troopers Hill.

"We are proud that Troopers Hill Nature Reserve is one of this year's eight Green Flag winners in Bristol."