ALCESTER'S River Arrow Local Nature Reserve has won the prestigious National Green Flag Award for the second year in a row.

Representatives from the nature reserve went to the Civic Hall in Stratford to pick up the award, which recognises and rewards excellent standards in park management.

The reserve, which is 10 years old this year, was one of three popular attractions in the district to win an award, along with Bancroft Gardens and the Recreation Ground in Stratford.

All three managed to fulfil eight criteria which Green flag Awards judges assess, including being a welcoming place, healthy, safe and secure, well maintained and clean, sustainability, conservation and heritage, community involvement, marketing and management.

The Green Flag scheme is overseen by a group of respected environmental organisations and is managed by the Civic Trust.

This year in England, 182 awards have been made from a total of 240 entries.