PARKS and open spaces around Bracknell have been rated among the UK's best after securing prestigious green flags for yet another year. 

Pope’s Meadow, Lily Hill Park, South Hill Park, Snaprails Park, and Shepherd Meadows and Sandhurst Memorial Park have all retained the prestigious Green Flag Award granted by national charity Keep Britain Tidy on Thursday, July 21.

They are among 1,686 areas across the country to be recognised for maintaining high standards for visitors. 

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for culture, corporate services and public protection, said: “We are fortunate in this borough to have so much green space and the Green Flag Awards recognise the high quality of that space.

“The teams which look after them work exceptionally hard to ensure our parks are of the best quality and these awards recognise that dedication. I hope there has been equally good news for our parish and town council colleagues with their applications for the parks they manage."

Popes Meadow was the first site in Berkshire to be awarded a Green Flag in 2001 and has retained it every since in a "superb achievement" according to Cllr McCracken.

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the awards.

"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."