TOP parks and green spaces in Gwent have been recognised as winners in the Keep Wales Tidy’s Green Flag Awards.

A total of ten sites were handed the coveted Green Flag Award this year, with a further 12 presented with a Green Flag Community Award.

There was an increase in the number of award-winning sites across Wales, with a record 161 sites winning recognition.

Both awards recognise the standards of green spaces, but the Community Award focuses on smaller, community-managed areas such as allotments and community gardens.

Lesley Griffiths AM, Welsh Government cabinet secretary for environment and rural affairs, welcomed the results and paid tribute to the various winners.

“I am delighted to see so many green spaces achieving the standards of the Green Flag Award,” she said. “The awards help to ensure that communities have top quality green space to enjoy and experience the outdoors, which are fundamental to the wellbeing and quality of life of our communities in Wales.”

Newport received one Green Flag, with Belle Vue Park returning to the list. Monmouthshire enjoyed success in both awards, picking up three Green Flag awards and five first-time Community Award recipients.

Torfaen, meanwhile received three Green Flags, including one for first time winner Gwent Crematorium, and two Community Awards, while Blaenau Gwent also received five Community Awards as well as two Green Flags. Cwmcarn Forest in Caerphilly County Borough was also awarded a Green Flag.

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said: “All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

For a full list of Gwent Green Flag Award recipients, see the Argus website.