Staff and volunteers have been thanked after Barking and Dagenham parks received Green Flags.

Seven parks managed by Barking and Dagenham Council have won the awards for excellence. 

“This achievement shows the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers,” deputy council leader Saima Ashraf said. “They work tirelessly to maintain our parks and open spaces and it’s really paid off.

“The volunteers give up their free time year on year for projects like litter picking, planting bulbs and organising Friends of Parks groups so that the parks remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

Judges from the Keep Britain Tidy environment organisation gave the award to Barking Park, Greatfields Park, Beam Parklands, Eastbrookend Country Park, Mayesbrook Park, St Chads Park and Tantony Green in Marks Gate.

Qualities listed included cleanliness, public safety, community involvement, good management and good conservation work.