Newtown is among 12 communities from across Wales celebrating after bagging a 'community managed green spaces award' from Welsh Government.

Deputy Mayor Cllr for Newtown Susan Hill accepted the award, which recognises acknowledges the hard work and many achievements of communities who manage exceptional green spaces projects, on behalf of Open Newtown and the town council at a ceremony held in St Peter Community Gardens, Cardiff on March 20.

Earlier this year 130 acres of land were transferred into community ownership and protection by way of a 99 year lease to Newtown based community land trust ‘Open Newtown’.

Town Councillor Richard Edwards, said ‘This project started after a consultation with residents that highlighted how important the green spaces and parks are as a place for leisure and recreation; a space for nature and a means to promote health and wellbeing, with most residents saying they made use of green spaces frequently. Wishing to protect and enhance the open spaces the council led a call for action, enabling the community to come together to form Open Newtown. I am pleased that all this hard work and effort has been acknowledged by this award.’

Open Newtown say they are looking to harness the green space for the towns benefit, not only creating beautiful spaces to relax in and explore but also to create new opportunities for activities, food, events, enterprise, energy and health and wellbeing.

Gary Mitchell Project Manager for Open Newtown, said he was "honoured" to accept the award in partnership with the town council.

" We are looking forward to working closely with local residents, organisations and businesses over the coming years to ensure Newtown stands out as a welcoming and attractive destination for all," he said.

"Open Newtown has received significant backing from the Town Council as well as a number of key funders such as the National Lottery’s Community Fund to help it enhance the green and blue spaces it has responsibility for. "