TWO parks in Kidderminster and Bewdley are raising their green flags this week after being recognised with a coveted award.

Brinton Park in Kidderminster and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens in Bewdley are among just 2,000 parks and open spaces in the country to receive the Green Flag Award for 2020.

The awards, which are handed out by Keep Britain Tidy, recognise well-managed parks and green spaces.

Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection, Councillor Helen Dyke, said: “I think this year has left us in no doubt just how important our parks and open spaces are for the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“I’m pleased to say that we are extremely blessed with a wide variety of parks and green spaces here in Wyre Forest which our residents and tourists alike enjoy all year round.

“I’m delighted that both Brinton Park in Kidderminster and the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens in Bewdley have retained the impressive Green Flag status for another year running.”

Councillor John Thomas, cabinet member for operational services, added: “I would like to thank our parks team who do such an excellent job and are helping to keep our parks among the best in the country – they work very hard keeping all our open spaces in tip top condition and have played their part in us achieving this independent and nationally-recognised quality status.”

It’s the second piece of good news for Brinton Park in as many months. In September, the council secured £2,410,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund to fund a raft of major improvements including a new cafe, an extension to the Sons of Rest Pavilion and the reinstatement of a historic ornamental pool.

Commenting on the district’s Green Flag successes, Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Brinton Park and Queen Elizabeth II Gardens have achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”