Five of Rugby's parks have retained Green Flag Awards, the international benchmark for quality parks and open spaces.

The winners of the 30th year of the Green Flag Awards were announced earlier this week.

The awards aim to raise standards in parks and green spaces around the world, promoting well-managed and well-maintained parks with excellent facilities.

Judges from Green Flag assess each park put forward for an award against ten strict criteria, including horticultural standards, sustainability, cleanliness and community involvement.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, joined members of New Bilton Community Association and members of the council's parks team to celebrate the Green Flag success. Photo by Rugby Borough Council

placeholder image — Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, joined members of New Bilton Community Association and members of the council's parks team to celebrate the Green Flag success. Photo by Rugby Borough Council

Currently, 2,391 parks in the UK have Green Flag Awards.

Caldecott Park, Newbold's Centenary Park, Millennium Green and New Bilton's Jubilee Recreation Ground all received Green Flag Awards, while the 'pocket park' at Gladstone Green retained its Green Flag Community Award.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces which support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy.

“Rugby Borough Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed.

“As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Awards, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this – safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard."

Caldecott Park secured its Green Flag status for a 19th year, while Centenary Park retained its Green Flag for an 11th year in a row.

Millennium Green in Craven Road secured its 10th award in a row and Gladstone Green won a Green Flag Community Award for a 10th year.

Jubilee Recreation Ground's Green Flag status was retained for a fifth year.

Rugby Borough Council said the Gladstone Green and Jubilee Recreation Ground's Green Flags were “a reward for the hard work of New Bilton Community Association, which has partnered with the council to develop both parks – supporting community orchards and growing projects”.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, added: “The Green Flag Awards set a high bar for our parks and open spaces, so we're delighted to have retained our five Green Flags for another year – a real tribute to the hard work and dedication of the council's teams and the growing band of volunteers who support our work.

“Our parks and green spaces bring real value to our communities, and we should all be proud the borough has five parks which meet the international gold standard."