(Tom has also written a story about the Southampton park's receiving an award which is in the basket)

FIVE Hampshire country parks have been recognised internationally as some of the best parks in the world.

Lepe, Staunton, River Hamble, Royal Victoria and Queen Elizabeth Country Parks have all gained Green Flag status for 2021.

The Award scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark or the management of green spaces.

Royal Victoria Country Park has also scooped the Green Heritage Accreditation for the management of its unique historic features, alongside Staunton Country Park.

This comes as Portswood Rec, Riverside Park, Central Parks and St James’s Park in Southampton also received the award.

Councillor Edward Heron, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Rural Affairs, said: “Green Flags are a clear signal to the public that these sites meet the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have top-notch visitor facilities.

"I’d like to thank all the staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to make this all possible.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has really underlined the value of outdoor space to mental wellbeing, health and fitness and we’ve seen record numbers of visitors to our country parks over this time.”

In celebration of the announcement, the Chapel at Royal Victoria Country Park was turned green on Thursday night as part of Green Flag's national light up of monuments and landmarks, #GoGreenForParks.

It is the first time Eastleigh's Lakeside Country Park has been voted as one of the best in the UK, with its sister location, Itchen Valley Country Park, is now into its second decade as a Green Flag award winner.

Eastleigh Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Policy, Councillor Tonia Craig said: “The past 18 months have demonstrated how important having well-managed green spaces on our doorstep is to the wellbeing of residents.

"We‘re very proud that the Borough’s two Council-operated parks have been voted among the best in the country and we’re very grateful to Keep Britain Tidy for this additional recognition.

"It is a tribute to the hard work of our talented teams who maintain the parks to such a high standard.”