FOR the second year running four of Worcester’s parks have been named as among the very best in the entire country – with each of them awarded a coveted Green Flag award.

Gheluvelt Park, Cripplegate Park, Fort Royal Park and the Riverside Park have all reached the exacting standards demanded by the prestigious Green Flag Awards.

Councillor Joy Squires, chair of Worcester City Council’s environment committee, said: “These awards are a real tribute to the City Council’s hard-working parks staff, volunteers and the parks’ Friends groups. "They are all committed to ensuring that our city continues to have a range of beautiful parks where our residents can get away from the pressures of life and find peace in the majesty of nature.

“At a time of such uncertainty, I know that our wonderful parks are appreciated and enjoyed by more people than ever.”

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More than 2,000 green spaces across the country get international quality mark

The awards have been announced at a time when millions of people are seeing the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep.

The award scheme - managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for their management across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Keep Britain Tidy CEO Allison Ogden-Newton said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers."