Town hall bosses are celebrating after Douglas was awarded no fewer than four Green Flags by the Keep Britain Tidy charity.
For the second year in succession Green Flags have been awarded to the Sunken Gardens on Douglas Promenades and to Noble’s Park.
But new for 2014, a further two have been clinched - one for Douglas golf course and the other for a scheme at Douglas Head to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.
Visible from Douglas harbour, a giant poppy has been created out of 4,000 geraniums and thousands of poppy seeds.
One verse, in English and in Manx, of Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen, written in September 1914, forms part of the display.
The scheme, which is one of Douglas Council’s contributions to Island of Culture 2014, also includes resurfaced paths, a new viewing platform and picnic area.
Douglas is the only local authority in the island to have been awarded Green Flags, winning its first two in 2013 at the first attempt.
Council leader Councillor David Christian said: ‘Another triumph for Douglas.
‘Winning two awards at our first attempt last year was fantastic but our parks section along with the green-keeping and Douglas Head teams are never ones to rest on their laurels. They were inspired by that success to aim even higher and their outstanding efforts under head of parks Dave Hewes, head green keeper Murray Jones and foreman Keith Jones at Douglas Head have now been rewarded with two more Green Flags.
‘A Green Flag, though, is not for life. Winners must apply each year to renew their status, so it’s a double celebration to learn that the sunken gardens and Noble’s Park have retained Green Flag status for 2014, swelling our tally of flags to four.’
Chairman of the regeneration and community advisory committee Councillor Stephen Pitts said: ‘Dave Hewes, Murray Jones and Keith Jones and their respective teams are to be congratulated on winning these four Green Flag awards. The teams work tirelessly year round to ensure these spaces are maintained in first-class condition.’
The Green Flag award is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces across the British Isles, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.