West Berkshire parks among best in the country

Northcroft and Goldwell Parks in Newbury and Linear Park in Calcot have received Green Flag Awards for 2013.
The national award, handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country.
The West Berks parks are among the more than 1,400 winners this year.
West Berkshire's executive councillor for countryside, Hilary Cole, said: “I am delighted our parks - which are highly valued by the local communities - have again received this award.
"Both parks are owned and managed by West Berkshire Council but, very importantly, their guardianship is in partnership with a group of residents known respectively as the Friends of Northcroft Park, and the Friends of Linear Park. These awards are a credit to their involvement.”
This is the fourth successive year that Linear Park has received the award and the fifth time for Northcroft and Goldwell.
Green Flag award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “Quality green spaces are essential to happy, healthy communities. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages. That is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”