THIRTY-SEVEN parks, green spaces and community projects in Gwent have been awarded the Green Flag in recognition of their excellence by an environmental charity.

The Green Flag Award scheme is delivered in Wales by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government.

Across the five authorities, 16 parks and open spaces received the Green Flag award - an increase on two from 2016 - while four new projects for 2017 took the number of Green Flag Community Awards to 21.

Lesley Griffiths AM, the Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for the environment and rural affairs said: “I am delighted to see so many green spaces achieving the standards of the Green Flag Award.

“The award helps 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.

“I congratulate all the parks and community spaces providing excellent, year-round facilities and events for everyone in Wales.”

Caerphilly borough has the greatest number of award recipients - 13 - followed by Monmouthshire with 10.

Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen have six award winners with Newport on two.

The awards are judged by green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, environmental management and community involvement.

Lucy Prisk, the Green Flag coordinator at Keep Wales Tidy said: “The Green Flag Award is all about connecting people with the very best parks and green spaces.

“Keep Wales Tidy is proud to run the scheme in Wales because we know having a good quality environment can have a big impact on our communities, health and well-being, and economy.

“I’d like to congratulate our winners and thank everyone who works tirelessly to maintain the standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“I’d encourage everyone to get outdoors and explore the diverse range of fantastic facilities we have on our doorstep.”

The award winners in the Green Flag Award are as follows: Blaenau Gwent - Parc Bryn Bach; Caerphilly - Cwmcarn Forest, Morgan Jones Park, Waunfawr Park, Parc Cwm Darren, Ystrad Mynach Park (new), and Brithdir Cemetery (new); Monmouthshire - Caldicot Castle and Country Park, Castle Meadow and the Old Station in Tintern; Newport - Belle Vue Park and the Gwent Crematorium and Torfaen: Cwmbran Boating Lakes, Garn Lakes, Panteg Park and Pontypool Park.

The Green Flag Community Award winners are: Blaenau Gwent - Beaufort Hills Woodlands, Garden Festival Parklands, Parc Nant y Waun, Terence Garden Welfare Park and Trevor Rowson Park; Caerphilly - Morgan Jones Community Allotment, Roger Lewis Woodland Garden, Shingrig Road Allotments, St Andrews Community Churchyard, Trevelyan Court, Coed-Y-Werin and the Trethomas Community Allotment; Monmouthshire: Babington Meadow, Bailey Park, Crick Woodland, Crucorney Allotments, Goytre Community Garden, Laurie Jones Community Orchard and The Cornfield and Torfaen: Blaen Bran Community Woodland and Henllys Local Nature Reserve.