THERE is even more reason to love Taunton Deane’s parks and open spaces after five have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the world.

The parks are among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that will today receive prestigious Green Flag Awards and Green Flag Community Awards – the mark of a quality park or green space.

The international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Green Flag Award winners in Taunton Deane are Vivary and Victoria Parks and French Weir recreation ground in Taunton and Wellington Park, which also receives a Green Flag Heritage Award while Swains Lane Nature Reserve in Wellington gains a Community Green Flag.

Cllr Catherine Herbert, Taunton Deane Borough Council executive member for sport, parks and leisure, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award – we have built up quite a collection.

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication from our staff and wonderful volunteers that goes into maintaining our parks and open spaces to such a high standard.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

"The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

The Green Flags were awarded during Love Parks Week, a national intitiative celebrating parks on social media.