A Green Flag will now proudly fly overhead Verulamium Park as it has, for the very first time, been recognised as one of the country’s best parks and open spaces.

Bricket Wood Common, Clarence Park, Rothamsted Park and Sopwell Nunnery Green Space have also received the national Green Flag Awards from environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The five parks and open spaces in St Albans and Harpenden are managed by St Albans District Council and are among 1,447 UK parks and open spaces to receive an award this year.

Councillor Daniel Chichester-Miles, portfolio holder for environment for at the council, said: "This is the first time that Verulamium Park has received one of these prestigious awards. It joins our other parks and open spaces with a track record in winning Green Flag awards.

"This is the sixth year in a row that Clarence Park, Rothamsted Park and Sopwell Nunnery are winners of a Green Flag award and the third for Bricket Wood. I am delighted that Verulamium is finally receiving the recognition it deserves after some years of trying.

"It is a place our whole community can enjoy and be proud of."

The council works in partnership with its contractors John O’Conner to maintain the award-winning parks and green spaces.

Neil Cain, operations director for John O’Conner, said: "We are delighted that these parks and green spaces have won national Green Flag awards.

"The awards recognise the high standards achieved by the council and our team in maintaining these areas for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to the district."

The Green Flag scheme helps ensure that everyone can access well-managed, high-quality green spaces that are important for health and leisure activities.

Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: "We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.

"A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the hard work and dedication of all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who have helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.

"Quality green spaces are absolutely essential to happy, healthy communities. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages.

"That is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before."