Eight green spaces in Torfaen, including four in Cwmbran, have been awarded Green Flag Status for being well-managed green spaces.

Cwmbran Boating Lake, Pontypool Park, Garn Lakes and five community-run sites in the borough, Blaen Bran Community Woodland, Fishpond Park Panteg, Forgeside Rugy Club Community Garden, Henllys Local Nature Reserve and Llanfrechfa Grange Walled Garden have got the award.

The Green Flag award programme is run in Wales by Keep Wales Tidy, with support from Welsh Government.

Independent green space experts volunteered their time to judge applicant sites against eight strict criteria, including biodiversity, cleanliness, environmental management, and community involvement.

Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said: “I’m delighted that our three sites have retained their Green Flag status, said: “These awards recognise our officers’ hard work and dedication in managing our green spaces for the benefit of residents, visitors and nature.”

The Friends of the Fishpond Park Panteg said: “They delighted with their success in being presented with the Green Flag Award again this year.

“We would like to thank all our diligent volunteers for their selfless efforts in maintaining the park to its high standards. We would also like to thank Torfaen Borough Council’s members and officers for their continued support in what we aim to achieve in the park.”

Lucy Prisk, Green Flag coordinator for Keep Wales Tidy said: “Free access to safe, high quality green space has never been more important. Our award-winning sites play a vital role in people’s mental and physical well-being, providing a haven for communities to come together, relax and enjoy nature.

“News that 280 parks and green spaces in Wales have achieved Green Flag Awards is testament to the hard work of hundreds of staff and volunteers. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate their success on the world stage.”