KEEP Wales Tidy has unveiled this year’s Green Flag Award winners – the international mark of a quality park or green space – including some in Torfaen.

Flags will be flying at Cwmbran Boating Lakes, Garn Lakes, Panteg Park and Pontypool Park in recognition of their excellent facilities and commitment to delivering great quality green space.

Councillor Fiona Cross, executive member for the environment, said: “We are very proud of our parks and green spaces in Torfaen, and we’re thrilled that four of our spaces have been awarded Green Flag status.

“Wherever you see a Green Flag you know you’re visiting an exceptional place with high standards. It takes pride and dedication to achieve this status so well done to everyone who made it possible.

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(Cwmbran Boating Lake. Picture: Torfaen council.)

“We would also like to congratulate and thank all volunteers who manage the Llanfrechfa Grange walled garden, Blaen Bran Community Woodland and Henllys Local Nature Reserve because today these areas have all been awarded the Green Flag Community Award.”

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said: “The Green Flag Award programme continues to go from strength to strength in Wales, thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of staff and volunteers across the country.

“We can’t underestimate how important high-quality parks and green spaces are to our communities, our health and wellbeing, nature and economy. We want to encourage everyone to explore their local area and make the most of the award-winning sites on their doorstep.”

Across the UK, 221 parks and green spaces have met the standards needed to receive the coveted Green Flag Award and Green Flag Community Award.

They include a diverse range of sites, from urban parks and housing estates, to university campuses and farms.

A full list of award winners can be found at keepwalestidy.cymru