SWT’s parks and open spaces have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the world.

They are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces that have received prestigious Green Flag Awards and Green Flag Community Awards – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This 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.

Taunton’s Vivary, Victoria and French Weir Parks have been awarded Green Flags along with Wellington Park, which also receives a Green Flag Heritage Award. Swains Lane Nature Reserve in Wellington, which is managed by the Swains Lane Community Group also won a Green Flag Award, while Comeytrowe Park managed by the Friends of Comeytrowe Park gained a Community Green Flag Award.

It was the first time that Comeytrowe Park had been entered for the awards, and the judge was impressed with the “passionate and dedicated” friends group, saying: “The park is obviously treasured by the local community and the enthusiasm of the friends that I met was infectious. “

Roger Ashelford, chairman of The Friends of Comeytrowe Park, said: “We are delighted that the park has won this award. It reflects all the hard work put in by the group, the community and SWT employees who have encouraged and supported us over the last five years".

Cllr Richard Lees, SWT Executive Member for Sports, Parks and Leisure, said “We are absolutely delighted that our parks and green spaces have received these Awards. They are testament to the dedication of our staff and the wonderful volunteers who put so much effort into maintaining them.

SWT knows how much green spaces like these matter to our residents and visitors, and we are extremely proud that they are maintained to such a high standard. I would like to thank everyone who has worked with us to gain this international recognition.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners. Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”