IN A record-breaking year Shanklin Voluntary Youth and Community Centre is proudly unfurling and raising its prestigious Green Flag Award for excellence.

Shanklin VYCC is celebrating after being presented the prestigious kite mark — for maintaining locations around Shanklin, with partner organisations — by the Isle of Wight's Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, and High Sheriff, Dawn Haig-Thomas, in a short ceremony.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the UK and around the world.

Mrs Sheldon said: "The news that Shanklin VYCC has achieved the accreditation — the international quality mark for parks and green spaces — is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that cares for the green space, so everyone can enjoy it."
Mrs Haig-Thomas echoed her sentiments.

“Shanklin VYCC looks after vital green spaces for the Shanklin community — bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles," she said.

"The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award.

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award. 

The awards are given annually, with winners requiring to apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.