Shanklin Football Club and the town’s Voluntary Youth and Community Centre (SVYCC) are celebrating after being presented the prestigious Green Flag Award for working with partner organisations to maintain publicly accessible locations around Shanklin.

The flag was presented by the Island’s High Sheriff, Graham Biss, and Lake Parish Council chairman, Paul Brading. John Shannon from the football club and Pual Harris from accepted the flag.

Graham said: “The news that Shanklin FC and SVYCC have achieved the accreditation, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team that care for the green space so that everyone can enjoy it.”

Paul added: “The two groups bring people together and provide opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. Everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd congratulated the two organisations.