PARKS and open spaces across Middlesbrough have again received the Green Flag seal of approval.

For 2016/17 Stewart Park, Albert Park, Hemlington Lake, Fairy Dell, Linthorpe Cemetery, Pallister Park and Thorntree Park will all be able to fly the flag to mark the achievement.

And once again there are Green Flag Community Awards for Stainton Quarry and Kell Gate Green, cared for by the Friends of Stainton and Thornton Green Spaces.

The Awards – celebrating their 20th year and handed out by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy – are a guarantee of high standards, first class maintenance and excellent facilities.

They are judged against eight strict criteria including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.

Cllr Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “Local people love and value their parks and open spaces, and they offer an oasis of calm and relaxation. That’s why maintaining them to the highest possible standards is one of our key priorities. I’m delighted we have again been recognised with the awards.”