An outstanding area of beauty in Hitchin has been awarded a prestigious honour.

Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve has received a Glen Flag for a fifth year running.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

The nature reserve managed by North Herts District Council is among a record breaking 2,061 parks and green spaces that received Green Flag Award status this year.

Councillor Steve Jarvis, NHDC's Executive Member for Environment and Leisure said: "Parks and nature reserves have become hugely important to residents in the district since lockdown, providing space to help individuals improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

"We work closely with John O'Conner Ground Maintenance, Countryside Management Service and various volunteer groups to keep these sites well maintained and thriving for people to enjoy and we are very pleased that these efforts have been acknowledged by the awards."

See Sparky's Hitchin View later today for his unique take on our town's wonderful beauty spot