HYNDBURN has scooped nine Green Flag awards topping the table for Lancashire.

The award recognises a quality park or green space, which have been more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic to get daily exercise of meet with friends.

In Hyndburn, Rhyddings Park, Lowerfold Park, Cutwood Park, Oakhill Park, Mercer Park, Gatty Park, Peel Park and the Coppice, Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium, and Wilson Playing Fields and Woodlands green areas have been recognised.

Parks boss Cllr Paul Cox said; “We are absolutely delighted to once again receive nine Green Flags for Hyndburn’s parks and green spaces.

“All this is only made possible by the hard work and dedication of the many staff and community groups who have worked long and hard to achieve them.

“We are blessed here in Hyndburn to have many community groups who give their time and energy so freely.”

Cath Holmes, Chair of Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum said: “For a many years, it’s been a pleasure to meet and welcome the Green Flag judges, to show off the borough’s parks and open spaces, promote the many volunteers, their groups and achievements.

“Despite Covid the Green Flag Awards have continued, albeit in a different way this year.”