AN eighth Bristol park has received a prestigious national award in recognition of excellence.

The latest presentation continues the city's recent run of success, which has seen it win growing recognition for its parks.

The latest open space to be lauded is St Andrew's Park in north Bristol, a traditional Victorian community park, which has won a Green Flag Award.

The award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales, which aims to encourage local authorities to achieve high environmental standards in recreational green areas.

Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status for each site.

Councillor Gary Hopkins, cabinet member for targeted improvements, said: "St Andrew's Park is a much-loved and a much-used traditional park with a very active community support group.

"The award of a Green Flag is a tribute to all the hard work that has been put in by many people at Bristol City Council working in partnership with the community."

John Mayne, chairman of Friends of St Andrew's Park, added: "This is excellent news – the quality of St Andrew's Park has long been recognised by local residents and now by the Green Flag assessors. The Friends will continue to work with others to ensure the park flourishes and improves in line with the clear agreed action plan."

In 2010 the council received the award for Ashton Court and Blaise Castle estates, The Downs, Netham Park, St Paul's Park, Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve and Queen Square.