Parks looked after by Redbridge Council workers have been given Green Flag awards and declared to be among Britain’s best public open spaces.

The nine parks are Claybury, Clayhall, Goodmayes, Seven Kings, Hainault Forest, Ilford War Memorial, South, Valentines and Elmhurst Gardens.

“Our staff brave all weathers to keep the parks in pristine condition,” deputy council leader Kam Rai said. “These open spaces are a lifeline for people to unwind and escape the stress of modern life, offering sanctuary surrounded by nature.” 

The parks are recognised by Keep Britain Tidy for their biodiversity, landscape, environmental management, heritage and community involvement, as well as being “welcoming, well maintained, healthy, safe and secure”.

But the council isn’t resting on its laurels, with a £7million restoration project near completion at Hainault Forest to create a family attraction by the end of the summer.

All tennis courts in the parks also underwent renovation this spring to bring them up to scratch.