PLOT holders were on hand for the official flying of the Green Flag as Halesowen’s Abbey Road Allotments celebrated becoming the first in the borough to be awarded the status.

The allotments impressed the judges because of the inclusivity, quality growers, management and recycling.

Disabled people from Halas Homes have a plot on the site with wheelchair access and people with learning difficulties from the Dudley Green Team also tend an allotment.

Mick Poultney, chairman of the allotment association, said: “We also get schools involved and the local community with our open days and barbeques.

“We have a good working committee and a waiting list for plots.”

Terry Stone, from the Dudley Green Team, was special guest at the official flag unveiling and others who gathered for the occasion included award-winning young growers William Clay and Molly Westwood, both aged nine, from the Caslon Primary School gardening club.

Green Flags are awarded to parks and green spaces as a sign to the public that they boast the highest possible standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent facilities.