Redbridge’s park groups have been praised after six of the borough’s open spaces retained their Green Flag status.

Elmhurst Gardens, Goodmayes Park, Ilford War Memorial, South Park, Valentines Park and Hainault Forest Country Park were the sites who reached the national benchmark standard.

The areas Redbridge’s parks excelled in include horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.

Cllr Dev Sharma, (Lab Newbury), praised residents who contribute to the upkeep of the borough’s parks.

He said: “We have many great community groups in the Borough that work to improve Redbridge and make it a place we can all enjoy.

“The ‘friends’ groups for our local parks do a tremendous amount to improve them, whether that be getting their hands dirty or applying for funding.”

Currently 1,582 parks, cemeteries, universities, shopping centres and community gardens in the UK have met the standards needed to receive the Green Flag Award or the Green Flag Community Award.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award Scheme. All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”