EIGHT parks in Trafford have bagged a coveted award.

The green havens are among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

The winning parks are Walton Park, Walkden Gardens, Worthington Park, Woodheys Park, Denzel Gardens, John Leigh Park, Victoria Park and Lostock Park.

Town hall chiefs say the achievement is testimony to the hard work and dedication of the many ‘Friends of Parks’ groups that make such a fantastic contribution to Trafford, in partnership with the park’s ground maintenance teams.

Executive Councillor for parks and environmental services, Cllr John Reilly, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive eight Green Flag Awards this year, one more than last year.

"Lostock Park is a new addition to our green flag parks; following all the hard work which has gone into improving the standard of the park and developing the partnership with the friends' group.

"All of the ‘Friends of Parks’ groups enhance the pleasure of living in the borough for which we thank them for all their help.

"We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and these awards celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining our parks to such a high standard.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd 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.

"The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”