A total of 13 parks in Northumberland have received international recognition for their green spaces, the most the council has scooped.

The Green Flag Awards, handed out by environment charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises the parks as some of the finest in the nation.

Winning parks are Alexandra Park (Cramlington), Astley Park (Seaton Delaval), Bolam Lake Country Park, Carlisle Park (Morpeth), Castle Vale Park and Coronation Park (Berwick), Doctor Pit Park (Bedlington), Druridge Bay Country Park, Eastwoods Park, (Prudhoe) Flagstaff Park (Berwick), Hexham Parks, Hirst Park (Ashington), Plessey Woods Country Park, Ridley Park (Blyth).

Now in its 28th year, the international prize is a sign that the parks have the highest environmental standards, are beautifully maintained, and have excellent visitor facilities.

Derek Kennedy, mayor of Hexham, said: "Hexham can be very proud of its parks and green spaces.

"The Sele with its matured trees and various meadow areas encourages wildlife.

"The War Memorial is well planted and provides an area for reflection, the Town Council ensures the memorial is cleaned at least annually.

"Tyne Green is very popular with visitors, sports and walkers the new pathway has improved the area."

Gordon Stewart, Prudhoe South and county councillor, and cabinet member for Looking after our Communities, said: “Eastwoods Park is over 100 years old and is owned by Northumberland County Council, the success is a perfect example of what can be achieved when the local community and the council work closely together, turning an abandoned area into a fantastic facility for locals and attracting people from a wider area."

Colin Horncastle, Northumberland County Councillor and cabinet member for Looking After our Environment said: "Our local parks and green spaces are a fantastic asset to our communities and act as a hub for wellbeing and environmental stewardship.”

Paul Todd MBE, scheme manager at Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award, said: "Northumberland’s parks are a vital green space for communities to socialise, enjoy nature, for children to play safely and it provides important opportunities for park users to improve their physical and mental health."