Three parks in Halton have been officially recognised as among the best in the country.

The coveted Green Flag Award is the benchmark international standard for  parks and green spaces in the UK and around the world.

Halton Council recently received the award for Hale Park, Runcorn Hill Park and Victoria Park, which means they are officially recognised amongst the country’s best open spaces.

Cllr Stef Nelson, Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for environment and urban renewal, said:  "All our parks are invaluable to the community and thoroughly enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

"To be awarded the Green Flag for three of our sites for another year is excellent news and is down to the hard work and dedication of parks staff and volunteers in all the parks who ensure such high standards are maintained."

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, 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.

Paul Todd MBE, Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager,  said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved at the three Halton parks on achieving a Green Flag Award. These parks are vital green spaces for communities in Halton to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health."

He added: "We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement."