GREEN spaces and parks in Chester and Ellesmere Port have been officially recognised as some of the country's best.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has received 10 Green Flag Awards for parks and green spaces in the borough, including Northwich Woodlands.

All of the council’s flagship sites have made the grade - the second year in a row that such a feat has been achieved.

Councillor Karen Shore, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, transport and highways, said: “Our beautiful parks are vital green spaces for the community in west Cheshire, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.

“Staff, friends of groups and volunteers do so much to ensure that we maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of this achievement.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Green Flag Status has been awarded to Caldy Nature Park, Castle Park, Grosvenor Park, Rivacre Valley, Northwich Woodlands, Stanney Fields Park, Westminster Park, Whitby Park, Helsby Quarry and the Wirral Way Country Park which was recognised for the first time last year.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme manager Paul Todd MBE said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Cheshire West and Chester Council in achieving their 10 Green Flag Awards.”