PARKS in Cheshire East will be raising their Green Flag Awards with pride in a year when millions of people have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep.

Among them will be Queens Park in Crewe, Congleton Park, Sandbach Park, Fountain Fields in Middlewich, Bollington Recreation Ground and Milton Park in Alsager.

The Moor in Knutsford will be raising a Green Flag Award for all seven parks.

The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

Councillor Laura Crane said: “I’m delighted our beautiful parks have been recognised in this prestigious way. This year has been a very challenging year for everyone, with our public open spaces being a lifeline for many.

“To be able to continue to care for such precious historic sites in such difficult circumstances is a real demonstration of the dedication of our staff and volunteers.”

Keep Britain Tidy chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “Despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Cheshire East, with Ansa Environmental Services and the Friends of the Park groups, have achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”