Twelve green spaces across the borough have achieved the green flag standard for 2012, putting it among the best for quality park land in the country.

The awards, handed out by Keep Britain Tidy, reward cleanliness, environmental sustainability, health and safety and conservation.

Croydon council-managed parks named in the awards include Happy Valley, Coombe Wood, Wettern Tree Gardens and Haling Grove, which retained their status, South Norwood Lake, which regained the mark lost last year and Coulsdon Memorial Ground and Lloyd Park.

Croydon cemetery was also named as was Coulsdon Common, Farthing Down, Riddlesdown and Kenley Common.

Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said: “Green flag awards aren’t easy to come by, and a lot of hard work has to go into the management of a park or green space to secure one.

"It really is hats off to the officers, contractors and friends groups who are responsible for securing us these accolades.”