Gloucester has once again taken home the coveted Purple Flag National safety award.

The accolade which celebrates places that provide a diverse, safe and welcoming night out has been awarded to the city for the fifth year in a row.

Like the Blue Flag for beaches or the Green Flag for parks, the award follows a rigorous accreditation process.

The purple flag is awarded to cities or towns that show that they have a safe and welcoming night-time economy, based on the following criteria:

•           Wellbeing: successful destinations are all safe and welcoming with all everyone playing their part in delivering high standards of customer care.

•           Movement: getting home safely after an evening out is really important, as is the ability to move around the centre with ease.

•           Appeal: successful destinations offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.

•           Place: successful areas are alive during the day, as well as in the evening. They contain a blend of overlapping activities that encourage people to mingle and enjoy the place.

The prestigious award is also held by neighbouring Cheltenham and Bristol.

City council officers, the police, City Safe, Ubico, Gloucester LVA and the Gloucester BID all contributed to Gloucester’s application.

You can find out more about purple flag status here.