TORFAEN council has been awarded a Green Flag for Cwmbran Boating Lake, Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve and Pontypool Park for another year.

The prestigious Green Flag Award recognises and rewards the best managed parks and open spaces across the UK.

Cwmbran Boating Lake and Pontypool Park first received their award in 2012, while Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve was given the award in 2013.

The judges agreed that all three continued to meet the high standards required to be recognised with a Green Flag.

The Friends of Henllys Local Nature Reserve were also recognised with a Green Flag Community Award for their work at the Cwmbran nature reserve.

Cllr John Cunningham, executive member for Neighbourhood services, added: “Keeping our Green Flags for Cwmbran Boating Lake and Pontypool Park shows that we continue to deliver award winning open spaces, despite severe budget cuts in recent years.

“I must say a particular thank you to the Pontypool Park Friends who give up their own time to ensure the park remains a beautiful place for people to visit.”

Cllr Lewis Jones, executive member for regeneration, said: “I am thrilled that Garn Lakes has kept its Green Flag for another year. The volunteers do a fantastic job and ensure that the lakes are up there with some of the best parks and green spaces across the country.

“I am also pleased that hard work and dedication of Friends of Henllys Local Nature Reserve has been recognised with an award.”

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag Coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating a record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme. All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the hundreds of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

For more information or to get involved in the Green Flag Awards, visit www.keepwalestidy.org/greenflag