EALING’S parks and open spaces have again won gold awards at this year’s London in Bloom Awards.

Ealing was given the prestigious gold status in the large city category for overall impact of horticulture, environmental management and community participation in the borough.

Gold in the large park category went to Walpole Park, a place loved by young and old all year round, from the summer jazz festival in the summer to the golden leaves smothering the park in the winter.

Walpole Park manager Emma Allen said: “We achieved gold this year because the park’s Heritage Lottery restoration was complete, whereas last year it was nearing completion so was rather new and there were fewer plants in flower.

“We will continue to submit every year, as it is good promotion for the park.”

Litten Nature Reserve in Greenford was awarded gold and category winner in the small conservation area award category.

Peter Holman, Vice Chairman of London in Bloom said an entry must achieve a minimum score of 85 per cent to achieve gold.

“A London in Bloom gold award is very much of high quality standard,” he said.

Other Ealing winners were Southfields Recreation Ground in Acton, which picked up a silver gilt award in the conservation category, and St Mary’s Churchyard, awarded silver and category winner in the churchyard of the year category.

London in Bloom aims to make London a greener place and promote gardening, horticulture and biodiversity among its residents.

Ealing Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, said he appreciated the efforts.

He said: “Ealing’s parks are one of the things that make it such a great place to work and live and our ambition to continually improve them has resulted in these fantastic accolades, striking gold again. “Thank you to everyone who make them the uniquely attractive and welcoming spaces that they are.”

To find out more about the borough’s open parks and spaces, visit www.ealing.gov.uk/parks