A RECORD number of parks and green spaces across Dorset Council have been awarded top Green Flag status this year.

Green spaces can be national nature reserves, picnic areas or even just an area of open space.

Swanage's Durlston Country Park, Avon Heath Country Park and Moors Valley Country Park, both near Ringwood, and The Milldown and Stour Meadows in Blandford have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the world.

Dorset Council cabinet member responsible for environment, Cllr Ray Bryan, said: "In Dorset Council’s first year, it is wonderful to have been awarded so many Green Flag Awards.

"They are so well deserved, and the parks and greenspaces themselves are wonderful places to discover."

The council says each of its parks and open spaces offer visitors a totally different experience.

From the cliff-top nature reserve, teeming with life at Durlston to a bustling family friendly day out at Moors Valley Country Park and the history steeped Thorncombe Woods - Thomas Hardy’s birthplace – there is so much to see and explore, said a spokesman.

Dorset Council greenspace manager Giles Nicholson said: "We are really proud of our parks, picnic sites and greenspaces and we know how much they matter to residents and visitors.

"We are absolutely delighted to receive so many Green Flag Awards for these sites, which reflects the dedication of our ranger teams, volunteers and apprentices.”

The Dorset sites are among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that have received a Green Flag Award.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said “Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

"We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”