BOROUGH parks are celebrating after being recognised as some of the UK’s best green and open spaces.

Buffery Park in Dudley, Leasowes Park, Halesowen, and Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve in Dudley have been awarded Green Flag status while Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge and Dudley's Priory Park have been awarded the Green Heritage Award.

The Dudley Council-run parks are now among 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that have received the top award – the mark of a quality park or green space - by the Green Flag Award scheme.

Abbey Road Allotments in Halesowen has also received a Green Flag community award.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley's cabinet member for environmental services, said: "We’re really proud of our parks in the borough and it’s fantastic so many have been given the Green Flag status in this most recent announcement.

“It’s important to us that we maintain and preserve them for future generations as we know they provide a haven for people of all ages, whether they’re walking the dog or taking their children for a kick about, the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy quality green spaces right on their doorstep.”

The international award is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Paul Todd, international Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”