SETTING the standard for Bury are the 11 parks which have picked up prestigious Green Flag awards for the third year running.

The award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.

Bury’s Green Flag parks are: Openshaw Park, Clarence Park and Manchester Road Park, all in Bury East; Burrs Country Park and Whitehead Park, in Bury West; Nuttall Park in Ramsbottom; Town Meadow Park in Tottington; Whitefield Park in Whitefield; St Mary’s Park in Prestwich and Close Park and Bolton Road Park in Radcliffe.

Only green spaces that are free to enter and open to the public are eligible to be awarded a Green Flag.

The Green Flag tells visitors that strict criteria have been met within the park, which, among other things, require it to be a clean, safe and welcoming place to spend time.

Cllr Dorothy Gunther, Bury Council's executive member for environment and transport, said: “Bury’s award-winning parks are an asset to local people and visitors, offering high quality open space where they can relax, exercise and play.

“To retain 11 Green Flags is an outstanding achievement for Bury. It’s a credit to our staff and volunteers in the community, and they should be proud of our continuing success.”

Throughout the summer holidays a wide range of events will be taking place in local parks.

For details, log on to www.bury.gov.uk/bury/events