GREEN spaces in Gwent have been honoured with Green Flag Award status.

They are among a record number of 201 parks and green spaces throughout Wales to have been recognised by the awards scheme, which is run by charity, Keep Wales Tidy, and supported by the Welsh Government.

In Monmouthshire, Tintern’s Old Station - in Chepstow - was selected, following on from its win for the UK’s favourite park in the 2011 People’s Choice Green Glad Award public park.

Other winners included Caldicot Castle, and Abergavenny’s Castle Meadows.

In Torfaen there were four winners of the Green Flag Award. Pontypool Park and Cwmbran Boating Lake first received their award in 2012, whilst Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve was given the award in 2013, and Panteg Park in 2016.

Henllys Local Nature Reserve and Blaen Bran Community Woodland were also recognised again with a Green Flag Community Award.

Executive member for the environment at Torfaen council, Cllr Fiona Cross, said: “Torfaen has some of the most beautiful parks and open spaces in the country and it is fantastic to receive this award for another year.

“I would particularly like to thank the volunteers groups – Pontypool Park Friends, the Friends of Fish Pond Park, the Blaenavon World Heritage Environment Group, the Friends of Henllys Local Nature Reserve, and the volunteers at Blaenbran Community Woodland for helping us to keep our Green Flags flying.”

In Blaenau Gwent, Brynmawr’s Parc Nant y Waun and Terence Garden Welfare Park, joined Parc Bryn Bach Park, in Tredegar, Beaufort Hill Woodlands, Garden Festival Parkland and Trevor Rowson Park in winning the coveted status.

Friends of Bailey Park, Crick Woodland, Crick Meadow, Crucorney Allotments, the Cornfield, in Portskewett, and Abergavenny’s Laurie Jones Community Orchard won in Monmouthshire, as did Goytre Community Garden, picking up its third award despite being open for just three-and-a-half years.

Chairperson Janet Robins said: “We have transformed the land behind the chapel where we are based and it’s now a thriving community garden.”

In Newport Keep Wales Tidy has awarded the status to Beechwood Park for the first time. Belle Vue Park has again been awarded the accolade for the 11th year running.

Gwent Crematorium has also been awarded the Green Flag for the third year running.

To achieve Green Flag status, experts assess criteria such as whether spaces are welcoming, safe, clean, sustainable, biodiverse, and look at community involvement and achievement.

Green Flag co-ordinator at Keep Wales Tidy Lucy Prisk said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year.

“The 201 flags flying are a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers across the country who work tirelessly to maintain Green Flag Award standards.

“I’d encourage everyone to get outdoors this summer and enjoy the incredible parks and green spaces we have on our doorstep.”