All six major parks in the borough of Burnley have retained their Green Flag status for yet another year, confirming them as among the best parks in country.

Ightenhill, Memorial, Queen’s, Scott, Thompson and Townley parks were among 2,216 UK winners of the award, an international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

The parks have achieved the award for many years.

Councillor John Harbour, Burnley Council’s executive member for housing and greenspaces, said: “It’s a testament to the hard work and support of council greenspaces staff and the various volunteer groups and Friends of the parks, not just over the past 12 months, but for many years.

“We should be very proud of our parks and the fact that they are among the best in the country.

"They each offer something a bit different, but all of them cater for everyone and play a vital role as places to relax, exercise, have fun and meet friends and family.

“I’d encourage people to visit their local park, and then perhaps visit others they haven’t been to, to see what a great community asset they all are.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Burnley in achieving a Green Flag Award.

“All the parks in Burnley and Padiham are a vital green space for the community, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.

“The parks staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, 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.