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South Tyneside is celebrating six parks receiving the prestigious Green Flag award for quality placing them among the best green spaces in the country.

Both South Marine Park and West Park South Shields have reclaimed the title, while others to secure the award again this year include Monkton Dene, North Marine, Readhead and West Park Jarrow.

Green Flags are a celebration of parks and green spaces of the highest quality and are awarded by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. Having a Green Flag flying overhead is a marker to the public that the park holds the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and offers excellent visitor facilities.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúlor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, said: "We are delighted to see six of our parks receiving the Green Flag award this year and are incredibly pleased that South Marine Park and West Park South Shields have regained this status.

"These awards are much sought after and are not given out lightly. Visitors who see a Green Flag flying can be assured that the park is well managed, clean and safe.

"Timing is perfect with the summer holidays about to get underway. We hope to see families enjoying these award-winning green spaces."

Keeping the Green Flag parks looking their best is a joint effort between ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú and the local 'Friends of' groups.

ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúlor Paul Dean, Lead Member for Voluntary Sector, Partnerships and Equalities, said: "These awards are highly respected and recognise the incredibly hard work and dedication of all those who help to take care of these spaces and maintain them to such high standards.

"Congratulations and 'thank you' to all the 'Friends of' groups, volunteers and staff who do so much all year round to keep our park beautiful, clean and safe. Being awarded a national Green Flag is a huge achievement. Well done to all those involved."

This year has been a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Awards with 2,216 sites across the UK meeting the tough criteria demanded by the Award.

Keep Britain Tidy's Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving these Green Flag awards.

"They are vital green spaces for the community for South Tyneside, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that they maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement."

For further information about parks in South Tyneside, visit the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's website at