FOUR parks across Teignbridge have received the Green Flag Award in recognition of their excellence and quality.

The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the UK and around the world.

The scheme aims to promote the creation of amazing green and open spaces and to recognise the hard work of those behind such spaces.

The four parks - Courtenay Park and Decoy Country Park in Newton Abbot, Homewards Botanical Gardens in Shaldon and the Den in Teignmouth - attract large numbers of residents and are crucial spaces in their respective communities.

Executive Member for Sport, Recreation and Culture, Councillor John Nutley, said: ‘It is wonderful news that these four parks have again been recognised for the quality space they provide to residents and visitors.

‘I would like to thank all our staff for their hard work throughout the year to maintain them as places where people can relax, enjoy the open space and explore the flora and fauna that they offer.’

► Founded in the 1850s, Courtenay Park has a formal style and is much loved by Newton abbot residents. It features a pond, fountain, sensory garden and a bandstand on which concerts are played throughout the year.

► Decoy Country Park sits on a regenerated clay quarry and now supports a huge variety of habitats and wildlife.

► Homeyards Botanical Gardens overlooks Shaldon and enjoys views of Teignmouth across the river and up the coastline. Situated on the hill, the park hosts a great number of community events.

► The Den in Teignmouth attracts both tourists and locals and is one of the most popular public parks in Teignbridge.