A PRESITIGIOUS award has been given to a green space that includes Middlewich.

Green Flag status has been awarded to the 22 miles of the Shropshire Union Canal between Middlewich, Barbridge and Audlem, and includes five and a half miles of the Middlewich branch canal.

The space is looked after by a number of volunteers who have spent more than 7,400 hours across 136 meet ups to maintain and improve it.

Graham Russell, organiser of clean-up group SUMBA, said: “This international award is a sign to the public that the 22 miles of the canal boasts the highest possible environmental standard.

“This recognition is a just rewards for our large team of loyal volunteers.

“Their ongoing hard work in all weathers throughout the year helps to maintain and visually improve their adopted length of the Middlewich Branch canal.

“This is for the benefit and enjoyment of all its many varied users such as boaters, fishermen, walkers and visitors.”

The award comes in the same month as the Canal and River Trust celebrates its fifth anniversary of taking over responsibility for the nation’s 2,000 mile network of canals.

This now joins five other quality-marked waterway greenspaces around the country.

For more information visit sumbavolunteers.org.

Or to find out more about the Canal and River Trust click here.