THIRTEEN green spaces across East Lancashire have been recognised as some of the best parks and public spaces in the country.

Eight parks and a cemetery in Hyndburn as well as five parks in Burnley have received the prestigious Green Flag Award, meaning they have been selected as some of the very best green spaces in the country,

They are among a record breaking 1,883 parks and green spaces across the country that have received the Green Flag Award which is a highly sought-after mark of a quality space.

Hyndburn Councillor Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Parks, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive eight Green Flag Awards, showing that these green spaces are well managed and maintained, welcoming, safe for users and have good links with the local community.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication of staff and volunteers that goes into maintaining our parks and green spaces to such a high standard.

“Getting a Green Flag is a real team effort and many staff and community groups have worked long and hard to achieve them here in Hyndburn.

“Well done and thanks to the Friends and other support groups associated with the parks who all worked so hard to make these sites reach the high standards to get Green Flag status.”

In Hyndburn, Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium, along with Wilson Playing Fields & Woodlands, Lowerfold Park, Cutwood Park, Oakhill Park, Mercer Park, Gatty Park and Peel Park all made the grade, receiving Green Flag status.

Meanwhile in Burnley, Igtenhill Park, Padiham Memorial Park, Queen’s Park, Scott Park and Towneley Park were also recognized as high quality spaces.

The Green Flag Awards Scheme is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Meanwhile in Blackburn and Darwen, no spaces were recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme.

Martin Eden, Director of Environment and Leisure, said: “The Council made the decision not to put sites forward some three years ago, due to budget cuts within the service.

"However, people can, and do, still enjoy all the beautiful parks and green spaces we have in the borough. I would like to give a big thanks to all the volunteer groups who help us maintain our parks for all our visitors.”