Eight of North Tyneside's parks, green spaces and cemeteries have been recognised among the very best in the country after receiving prestigious Green Flag Awards.
The Green Flag is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, recognising sites that are welcoming, safe, well managed, and maintained to the highest environmental standards.
Among this year's winners is Whitley Bay Cemetery, which has received a Green Flag Award for the first time. The achievement follows an 'Excellent' rating earlier this year from the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities, whose inspection found high standards across all areas assessed.
North Tyneside's award-winning parks include:
- Benton Quarry Park
- Killingworth Lakeside Park
- Northumberland Park
- Preston Cemetery
- Rising Sun Country Park
- Wallsend Parks
- Whitley Bay Cemetery
- Chirton & Redburn Dene
The awards recognise the dedication of North Tyneside Council's parks teams alongside the many volunteers, Friends groups and community organisations who work throughout the year to care for these much-loved spaces, helping ensure they remain welcoming places for residents and visitors alike.
Councillor Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at North Tyneside Council, said: "We're incredibly proud that eight of our parks, green spaces and cemeteries have achieved Green Flag Award status, with Whitley Bay Cemetery joining the list for the first time.
"These awards recognise the hard work, care and commitment shown every day by our teams, volunteers and community groups. Their dedication helps create welcoming, attractive spaces where people can enjoy nature, spend time with family and friends, improve their health and wellbeing, and take pride in their borough.
"Providing high-quality parks and green spaces is an important part of delivering our North Tyneside Plan by creating thriving neighbourhoods, supporting healthier lives and protecting the natural environment for future generations. I'd like to thank everyone who has helped make this achievement possible."
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Green Flag Award, with a record 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK meeting the internationally recognised standard.
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy.
"North Tyneside Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this year's Green Flag Awards."
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and sets the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK.