Nine Lambeth parks have been recognised among the very best in the country in a national awards scheme.


The green spaces have been awarded Green Flags, which means they have met the very highest standards of cleanliness, safety and attractiveness.


Singled out for the awards are Archbishops Park, Hillside Gardens Park, Kennington Park, Milkwood Park, Myatts Field Park, Ruskin Park, Vauxhall Park, St. Paul’s Churchyard in Clapham and St. John’s Church Gardens in Waterloo.


All nine have maintained their current high standards this year to ensure they retain their Green Flags, with local communities playing a key role in securing the awards.


Councillor Sally Prentice, the council’s cabinet member for culture, said: "We have some fantastic green spaces across Lambeth and it’s not hard to see how popular and valued they are.


"Being awarded Green Flag is a huge achievement, but with the criteria so challenging, retaining them from year to year is equally impressive.

"What really makes the difference between a good park and a great park is the role played by local people."

The Green Flag Award is the national standard for parks and green spaces in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and parks gaining Green Flag Award status must satisfy exacting standards.