Five Worcester parks and green spaces have received a prestigious environmental award.

Gheluvelt Park, Fort Royal Park, Cripplegate Park, Riverside Park and Astwood Cemetery and Crematorium have all maintained their internationally-recognised Green Flag status.

The accolade is given in recognition of the high quality and environmental management of the public parks and green spaces.

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Chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, Councillor Zoe Cookson, said: "We are delighted that five of our parks have been awarded Green Flag status once again.

"This is a tribute to the hard work of the City Council’s parks team.”

The council has been implementing a new national approach to parks and open spaces this year.

This included rewilding some areas of Fort Royal Park to boost biodiversity and allow for more animal habitats.

Furthermore, the team at Astwood Cemetery and Crematorium are using techniques that encourage wildflower growth across the entire site.

Kerry Castle, chair of the Friends of Fort Royal Park and Commandery Gardens, said: "I’m really proud of the work our volunteers are doing to keep this space nice and put on community events for Worcester."

Vice-chair of the council’s Environment Committee, Councillor Karen Lewing, added: "I’m really pleased that the City Council is investing in our green open spaces.

"It’s recognition of the hard work of lots of people, particularly the community in the area."

Run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, the award scheme receives its license from the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The scheme’s manager, Paul Todd MBE, said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving the Green Flag Award.

"We know that staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that the spaces maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award, everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement."