JUBILEE Lake in Royal Wootton Bassett has received a maximum five star award from the South West in Bloom judges in their Pride in Parks award.

The lake, on the northern edge of the town, was described as a jewel in the community’s crown and was complimented on its cleanliness, children’s play area and the Jubilee tea rooms.

Royal Wootton Bassett was a silver gilt awarded in the main South West in Bloom awards last year after entering for the first time in 2015 and also picked up the Vic Verrier Cup for best new entry.

This most recent award was announced at the South West in Bloom Spring Seminar last week following a visit from the judges in the second half of last year.

Town councillor, Linda Frost, said: “We were delighted to hear our name called out. We are very proud we can now display a sign which compliments what we have known all along.

“We have always known the lake is a beautiful lake to be and we know people from far and wide come to see it.

“It’s not all about being a pretty place but somewhere nice for wildlife and environment. We are always continuing to look after it.

“It can be used for such a variety of leisure facilities not just relaxation, we feel it’s a very great place for people to come and get from it whatever they like.”

Denise James, South West in Bloom judge, was particularly impressed by the interpretation boards, placed in key locations or visitors to identify flora and fauna, were

She said: “Jubilee Lake is a wonderful asset to the Royal Wootton Bassett, not only for the local community, but also for visitors wishing to explore the woodland paths or just sit and have a picnic by the side of the lake.

“Jubilee Lake is definitely a jewel in Royal Wootton Bassett’s community and along with the town council they should be very proud of this award.

“It was evident from the start of my assessment that there is a first class maintenance program in place. It was good to see that woodland management and conservation play and an important factor throughout the site.

“Given the size of Jubilee Lake and surrounding woodlands, I was very impressed to see no evidence of litter and given that this is a popular location for dog walkers, there was no evidence of dog fouling.”