Six beautiful Bucks parks have been named among the best in the UK once again.

The Rye and Hughenden Park in High Wycombe, Higginson Park in Marlow, Vale Park and Bedgrove Park in Aylesbury and Heartlands in Buckingham have all won the prestigious Green Flag Award.

The Green Flag Awards - managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy - are a sign of a "well-managed, clean and safe park", organisers say.

They judge the parks on if they are welcoming, healthy, safe, secure, well-maintained, and have good community involvement.

The winning Buckinghamshire parks are part of more than 2,000 sites across the country to collect the award for 2020.

Clive Harriss, cabinet member for Sports and Leisure at Buckinghamshire Council, said: “I’m delighted that six of our parks have received this prestigious award.

Bucks Free Press:

Left to right: Contract Manager Andy Sherwood and Cabinet Member for Sports and Leisure Clive Harriss at The Rye in High Wycombe

"It takes tremendous effort to maintain the high standards required, and I’m grateful to all the staff and contractors involved in helping to keep these parks clean and welcoming to all.

“I also understand how important quality green spaces are to residents and visitors, particularly at the moment, and these awards clearly recognise Buckinghamshire Council’s dedication to providing the best possible green spaces for everyone to enjoy.”

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE added: "This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time.

“It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, six parks in Buckinghamshire have achieved the highest international standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”