SIMMONS Park in Okehampton could be safeguarded for the future thanks to a new scheme aiming to protect green spaces in the UK's towns and villages.

The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge aims to protect 2,012 recreational fields throughout the UK, creating public engagement around the two events in 2012 — the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

If Okehampton is successful in its bid, Simmons Park will be protected for recreational use in perpetuity, ensuring the town will always have a beautiful recreational space.

Stuart Lord from OCRA, the charity that aims to promote leisure and sports facilities in Okehampton, said: 'Simmons Park is a fantastic place for sport, recreation and relaxation, and a great asset for the town overall. It's really important that the area is protected for the future.'

At a meeting on Monday January 17, Okehampton Town Council agreed to submit Simmons Park for inclusion in the scheme.