A TOTAL of 32 green and pleasant parks in five boroughs across East Lancashire, one more than last year, have been flagged up in a major national award scheme.

The open spaces have been named as among the best in the 1,448 in the country and 235 in the North-West.

The ‘Green Flag’ awards, run by the Keep Britain Tidy group, has gone to seven parks in Hyndburn, seven in Blackburn with Darwen, six in Burnley, seven in Pendle and five in Chorley.

Run by the Keep Britain Tidy group, they recognise well-managed, high-quality green spaces.

Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium is the latest to win the award It joins six other Hyndburn parks who previously won the ‘Green Flag’ – Wilson Playing Fields and Woodlands, along with Lowerfold, Cutwood, Oakhill, Mercer and Gatty Parks.

Borough parks boss Ciaran Wells said: “A lot of hard work, by a lot of people has gone into getting these Green Flags and their award is testament to the sterling job done by the many community groups and staff involved.”

In Pendle seven ‘Green Flags’ were retained at Marsden Park, Nelson; Memorial Park, Barrowford; Heyhead Park, Brierfield; Valley Gardens, Barno-ldswick; Alkincoats Park, Colne; Victoria Park, Nelson and Walverden Park, Nelson.

Nadeem Ahmed, the council’s executive member for parks, said: “Retaining these Green Flag Awards means so much to us.

Seven parks in Blackburn with Darwen have retained their status: Witton Park, Sunny Hurst Woods, Roe Lee, Hoddlesden Millennium Green, Queens Park, Corporation park and Boldventure park.

Borough leisure boss Damian Talbot said: “This would not happen without the dedication of local community members.”

In Burnley, Towneley, Thompson, Queen’s, Scott, Ightenhill and Padiham Memorial parks all retained the top honour for the fourth year running.

Councillor John Harbour, executive member for leisure, said: “This is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our green spaces staff and reflects the high esteem that residents have for their parks.

The Chorley council grounds of Astley Park, Yarrow Valley Country Park, Withnell Local Nature Reserve and Tatton Recreation Ground retained ‘Green Flag’ status as did Cuerden Valley Park.