Havering parks have been awarded a record 11 Green Flags sparking celebrations during Love Parks Week.
The flags are awarded by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy to the best parks and green spaces across the country.
Last year nine parks in the borough were given Green Flags. All retained the status with Rise Park and Central Park receiving accolades for the first time.
Havering Council’s cabinet member for culture and community engagement Melvin Wallace said: “The retention of existing awards is fantastic but the award of two new flags is especially pleasing. It makes me proud that we have such beautiful open spaces and parks.
“These awards are well deserved recognition for our Parks and Open Spaces team, and our friends groups, that work so hard in making our parks clean and safe so that we can all enjoy them.”
Green Flags recognise that a park is well maintained and has excellent facilities.
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Awards.
“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here