ITS RUGGED beauty entices thousands of visitors each year, but now Kit Hill has been recognised as one of the best green spaces in the country.

East Cornwall's most dominant landscape feature has won a Green Flag award, a national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales, causing great celebration in the Callington community.

The site has also achieved a Green heritage award in recognition of the wealth of its historical features, including mining and quarry workings dating from medieval times up to 1955.

Cornwall Councillor Andrew Long, who lives in the shadow of Kit Hill, said: 'This is excellent news and a testament to the hard work of the countryside rangers who look after this valuable asset, not just for the people of the surrounding area but for Cornwall as a whole.

'They go above and beyond the call of duty to protect this wonderful nature resource and I am so proud of the work they have done.'

Callington Portreeve Jeremy Gist said he was delighted: 'It is great to see the enthusiasm and hard work of the rangers and the volunteers rewarded.

'I have special affinity with the Hill, which started when I was a kid helping to collect the road tolls up there and as a member of the East Cornwall Mine Rescue Group.

'Nowadays I love to walk up there and take in the magnificent views.'

Kit Hill is one of seven Cornwall council run parks and green spaces to be recognised with a Green Flag Award, having had to meet a range of criteria including providing a welcoming, healthy and safe and secure environment, as well as be clean and well maintained and involve the local community.

Climbing to just over 1,000 feet above sea level, Kit Hill has been shaped by more than 5,000 years of human activity, from its use by early people for agricultural and religious purposes, to the more recent exploitation of its stones and minerals.

The hill is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna, much of which depends on its heathland habitats.

Some 180,000 people visit Kit Hill's 400 acres each year to witness the breathtaking views, some of the best in Cornwall, to walk, kit fly, bird watch, orienteer, horse ride and picnic. There are also regular activities and events held at the beauty spot which was chosen to host one of the beacons, lit to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in Jun.

It is the site for the mid-summer bonfire 'Tansy's Golowan' and around 1,500 school children each year take part in canoeing, rock climbing and other activities.

Communities minister Andrew Stunnell MP said: 'Great parks and green spaces have a huge impact on local communities, providing places to play and relax as well as bringing generations together in a variety of ways.

'They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns and villages and the Green Flag Award scheme seeks to help raise the standards of them all.

'The many excellent stories coming from the scheme prove what communities and volunteers can achieve by working together with professionals in our green spaces.

'Well done to all those involved in creating these inspirational places for everyone to enjoy.'