HORSFALL playing fields in Bradford are officially protected for future generations – thanks to being awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Fields in Trust Diamond Jubilee 2012 dedication.

The award secures a guarantee from Bradford Council the land will never be built on and will always stay as an open outdoor space.

The safeguarding public access award has also been given to Gilstead Recreation Ground, Goose Cote Lane in the Worth Valley, Bingley Recreation Ground and Myra Shay in Bradford Moor.

Yesterday saw a commemorative plaque go up in the playing fields at a ceremony attended by the Friends of Horsfall Playing Fields, Councillor Andrew Thornton, the council’s executive member for sport, Cllr Val Slater, the executive member for housing and ward Cllr Gill Thornton (Lab, Royds).

Two trees were also planted to mark the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award which was set up before the London 2012 Olympic Games to ensure a legacy of protecting open spaces for sports use.

Bradford Council has pledged to work with the charity to protect the land and it has the chance of applying to it for future funding to improve the area which has cricket and rugby pitches and pavilion at the top of Harold Park.

Robert Clunas, of the Friends of Horsfall Playing Fields, said: “We think it’s absolutely great the fields will be available for generations of people to come.”