WORK which has helped to rejuvenate a Tyne Valley park has been recognised on a national stage - in the Keep Britain Tidy Network Awards.

In recent years, Eastwoods Park, in Prudhoe, has seen many improvements; including a new play area, a new multi-use games area, new seating, basketball nets, a unique dog exercise area and the renovation of the old bowls pavilion to become a cafe and community hub.

The Network Awards mark excellence and innovation in improving local environmental quality and the Eastwoods Park project was one of only three shortlisted nationally in the ‘Community Engagement' category, which rewards action that has empowered communities to take responsibility and contribute to improving the quality of their local environment.

The council’s green spaces officer Sam Talbot and colleagues in the local services team have worked in partnership with the community and local county councillors to transform the site from a largely neglected space, that had been an old Miner's Welfare area, to a park achieving prestigious Green Flag status in 2020.

The project had strong support from local organisations and individuals: Prudhoe Town Council, the Friends of Eastwoods Park, Prudhoe Youth Club FC and the Friends of Prudhoe Woods.

Coun. Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, has been a volunteer on the project and instrumental in helping to get work done. He said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have played a part in getting Eastwoods Park to where it is today – a fantastic area that can be enjoyed by local residents of all ages."

Capital funding has been provided by NCC and Prudhoe Town Council for the play area, MUGA and seating, and Prudhoe Youth Club FC raised money to improve the old cricket pavilion. County councillors Gordon Stewart and Ken Stow also contributed funding from their local members small schemes budgets.

Mayor of Prudhoe Tracy Gilmore added: "The improvements have been amazing, and welcomed by residents, particularly at this difficult time."