County Durham’s green spaces have once again been recognised for their high standards at the prestigious Green Flag Awards.
Eleven parks and green spaces, which are maintained by Durham County Council, have received the honour after being so well looked after for yet another year.
The scheme, recognising parks, cemeteries, countryside sites and crematoria, continues to provide the benchmark against which parks and green spaces are measured.
Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “We are thrilled that so many of our sites have been recognised for meeting the Green Flag standard. I would like to thank all our staff and those who volunteer for keeping our green spaces so well maintained.
“At a time when outdoor space has become more important than ever for the wellbeing of our residents, we are delighted to be able to offer such wonderful spaces to our communities.”
The County Durham sites to have been given Green Flag status this year are Annfield Plain Park, Blackhill and Consett Park, Castleside Cemetery in Consett, Durham Crematorium and Cemetery, Hardwick Park, Moorside Cemetery in Consett, Mountsett Crematorium in Consett, Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street, Ropery Lane Cemetery in Chester-le-Street, Sacriston Cemetery, Town Recreation Ground at Bishop Auckland and Wharton Park, Durham City.
Blackhill and Consett Park has also been given the Green Heritage Site Award supported by Historic England, for the management of its historic features.
It has been a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Awards, which are managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, with 2,208 UK sites celebrating success.
Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.
Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.