(Image: Tom Arber)
Five popular parks in three North Yorkshire coastal towns have been named among the best in England.
Public spaces in Whitby, Scarborough and Filey were awarded Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy, recognising them as some of the country’s finest green spaces.
The winners are Falsgrave Park, Peasholm Park, and South Cliff Gardens in Scarborough, Glen and Crescent Gardens in Filey, and Pannett Park in Whitby.
North Yorkshire Council executive member for parks and grounds, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: "We are incredibly proud to have received these awards.
"It is credit to the tireless work of our parks team alongside the community groups who help to maintain our green spaces.
"With the summer holidays in full swing, we are encouraging people to make use of their local parks and gardens, which offer a fun, free day out for families looking for something to do.
"Parks are at the heart of our communities, often providing spaces to socialise, stay active, and reduce stress through being close to nature.
"They are also important in our fight against climate change, and their environment allows nature to thrive."
The awards come during Keep Britain Tidy’s Love Parks Week, which runs until Sunday, August 2.
The campaign celebrates parks, those who care for them, and the benefits they bring to people, communities, and the environment.
Pannett Park and South Cliff Gardens also received Green Heritage Site Accreditation from the organisation, recognising those parks that successfully manage and promote their history.
Pannett Park, along with Whitby Museum and Pannett Art Gallery, was a gift to the town from solicitor Robert Pannett, who died in 1920.
It was built on the site of an old market garden to prevent houses being constructed there and then gave it to the people of Whitby.
The park now features rose gardens, an ornamental lily pond, and a play area.
South Cliff Gardens, dating back to 1889, took more than 40 years to complete and are home to the Italian gardens with their formal terraces, shelters and lily pond.
Adrian Perry, chair of the Friends of South Cliff Gardens, said: "We are so lucky to have a garden which dates to the Victorian era, and with the generous support of the National Heritage Lottery Fund we have been able to ensure the historic features are well-maintained and protected.
"In addition, we can communicate its story to visitors and update the garden so its future as a place to enjoy is assured."