A SPECIAL flag will be flying over five of Hampshire’s parks this year.

It comes after they won a prestigious environmental award.

The nationally-recognised Green Flag Award is a sign to visitors that parks achieve the highest possible standards, are well-maintained, and have good facilities.

And this year no fewer than five parks across the county have won the award, which is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley, Manor Farm Country Park near Bursledon and Lepe Country Park in the New Forest will fly the flag, along with Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield and Staunton Country Park in Havant.

Hampshire County Councillor Andrew Gibson, executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, said: “Green Flags are an important sign to visitors of the high quality they can enjoy during a visit to our country parks.

“They also represent all the hard work of staff, volunteers and partner organisations who are dedicated to making our country parks a wonderful location for everybody to enjoy.

“Over the next few years, we will be building on the success of our country parks, with a programme of transformation which, once complete, will provide an even greater array of activities and facilities which will enable people to enjoy the outdoors more often throughout the year.”

Royal Victoria Country Park sits on the shores of Southampton Water and its iconic chapel can be seen from miles around. From 1863-1966 the site was home to the Royal Victoria Hospital, which was more than a quarter of a mile long and the British Army’s first purpose-built hospital.

Manor Farm and Country Park is on the banks of the River Hamble and is used for walking, cycling or horse riding, while while Lepe Country Park boasts more than a mile of coastline and extensive views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

There is an adventure playground for children and the shore area played a vital role in D-Day preparations as thousands of troops embarked for Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park is in the South Downs and Staunton Country Park has a play barn for children, a shire horse, llamas and alpacas.