SANDSFOOT Gardens has claimed the highest marks possible during judging for Keep Britain Tidy’s prestigious Green Flag 2014 awards.

The gardens, which are located off the Rodwell Trail, dug out a first class pass rate of 80 plus, which is the very highest mark possible that judges can award.

The awards recognise and reward the best parks, gardens and green spaces across the country.

Portland’s Easton Gardens and Greenhill Gardens also both picked-up prestigious Green Flag awards for 2014.

The three award-winning gardens are all maintained by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s parks and gardens staff along with the valuable support of friends groups.

Cllr Ian Bruce, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s community facilities spokesman, said: “This is fitting recognition of the hard work of our dedicated parks and gardens staff who go out in all weathers and conditions to make sure that visitors and locals alike have wonderful places to enjoy.

“It’s a real team effort thanks to the valuable support of community groups including Easton Community Group, the Friends of Greenhill Gardens and the Friends of the Rodwell Trail and Sandsfoot Gardens.

“The borough council’s gardens and open spaces are free to explore, and also have a host of events and activities going on through the year.”

Each garden has its own unique character and facilities - Sandsfoot Gardens even has the remains of a Tudor Castle in its grounds as well as a café and toilets.

More information about the borough council’s parks and gardens can be found at dorsetforyou.com