MORE parks and open spaces in Northern Ireland than ever before have received the Green Flag award in recognition of environmental efforts and visitors' facilities.
Belfast area now has 17 parks with the award and Antrim and Newtonabbey Borough Council have had 13 parks in their area recognised.
There were 14 first-time winners this year including: Jordanstown Loughshore Park, Hazelbank Park and Gideons Green, Mill Race Trail, Valley Park and Wallace Park in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
Ballymenoch Park and Londonderry Park in Ards and North Down Borough Council; The Mall Armagh City in Armagh City; Brooke Park in Derry City and Strabane District Council and Grange Park in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
The Green Flag award for parks was first introduced in 2008/2009 and the awards are judged annually by green space experts, who visit sites to make assessments against eight strict criteria, including: horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.
Dr Ian Humphreys, chief executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said: "With many people increasingly relying on their local park as a place to exercise, relax and have fun, quality green space has never been more important.
"Research shows that people will only visit a park if they perceive it to be clean and safe; and the Green Flag Award is an easy way for the public to see at a glance that their park meets the highest standards."
