Park gets Green Flag Award for 20th year in a row

Five parks in Sunderland achieved the award this year

A city park has received a Green Flag Award for the 20th year in a row.

Herrington Country Park in Sunderland won the award for the first time in 2005 and has been achieving it every year since.

Barnes Park, Roker Park and Mowbray Park in the city, as well as Hetton Lyons Country Park have also been recognised with an award.

Sunderland City Council said the award was a "testament" to all the hard work put into looking after the sites.

The Green Flag Award scheme is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and celebrates well-managed parks and green spaces.

Labour councillor Lindsey Leonard, for the Ryhope ward, said: "Seeing five of our parks once again recognised with awards is testament to all the hard work that goes into looking after them and making sure they are looking their best."

Councillor Lindsey Leonard, front left, said she was "delighted" the parks were awarded

Paul Todd MBE, who manages the green flag scheme, said the winning parks were "a vital green space" for communities in Sunderland.

"We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that they maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement," he added.

Other North East parks that achieved the award this year include:

• Exhibition Park, Newcastle

• Jesmond Dene, Newcastle

• Hirst Park, Ashington

• Astley Park, Seaton Delaval

• Killingworth Lakeside Park, North Tyneside

• Eastwoods Park, Prudhoe

• Ridley Park, Blyth

• Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland

• Hemlington Lake and Recreation Centre, Middlesbrough

• Tees Barrage Park, Stockton

• Summerhill Country Park, Hartlepool

• Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool

• Woodhouse Park, Peterlee

• Durham Crematorium and Cemetery, Durham