SIX parks in the Bradford district have retained their prestigious Green Flag awards - a benchmark for the best parks and green spaces in the country.

They have been awarded to Lister Park in Manningham, Peel Park in Bolton, Roberts Park in Saltaire, Harold Park in Low Moor, St Ives Estate in Bingley and Central Park in Haworth.

In addition Ilkley's Millennium Green has been presented with a Green Flag community award for the third time.

Across the wider district a further six parks have been successful in holding on to the award for another year. These are Bailiff Bridge Memorial Park, Ogden Water Country Park and Wellholme Park in Brighouse, as well as Otley Chevin Country Park and Pudsey Park and Oakwell Hall Country Park in Birstall.

A Green Flag flying is a sign to visitors that the park boasts the highest standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Bradford's Lister Park has now won the award for 13 consecutive years, while Oakwell Hall and Ogden Water are both celebrating a tenth year of success.

Cllr Andrew Thornton, Bradford Council’s Executive member for Environment and Sport, said: "This result is terrific news.

"Congratulations go to the hard-working staff who look after our great parks throughout the year, as well as the wonderful volunteer groups of ‘friends’ who contribute so much to them.

"We are lucky to have such wonderful parks in our district and they are ideal places to spend time with family and friends.

"There are some fantastic events planned in our parks over the summer for everyone to enjoy.”

Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for communities, Councillor Steve Sweeney, said they were delighted with their success.

“This award recognises and highlights that people across the borough are benefitting from green spaces of the very highest quality, and reflects the hard work of Council staff.”

The Green Flag Award scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government. A record-breaking 1,476 parks and green spaces have won an award in this year's round.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces.

“A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for all the parks managers, staff and volunteers who, through their dedication and hard work, have helped to create these fantastic places for everyone to enjoy.

“Quality green spaces are a vital resource for communities and that is why it is so significant that we have given out more awards than ever before.”

Flag raising ceremonies are now expected to take place at the winning parks across the district.

Any green space that is accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award. Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status. A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups.