Six prestigious national awards have been scooped by Erewash council for its management of parks and green spaces in the borough.

Five local havens won salutes at the annual Green Flag awards for being kept pristine.

These included previous winner Victoria Park in Ilkeston – which in addition was awarded a coveted Green Heritage Accreditation.

The others to be honoured with Green Flag accolades were Long Eaton’s West Park and the nearby Forbes Hole Local Nature Reserve, plus Straws Bridge in Ilkeston and Pioneer Meadows in Kirk Hallam. All have been previous winners.

The Green Heritage Accreditation for Victoria Park is backed by Historic England. It rewards efforts to maintain the historically significant elements of the park, which opened in 1902 after the Duke of Rutland gifted land to the town to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Erewash has 650 acres of parks, open spaces and nature reserves. The council’s Lead Member for Environment Cllr Joel Bryan said:

“Local people are rightly proud of the borough’s green spaces. These awards recognise the council’s commitment to maintaining our treasured havens.”

The Green Flag awards are run by the Keep Britain Tidy campaign on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Paul Todd MBE, who manages the Green Flag scheme, said: “These Erewash green spaces are vital community assets, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles.

“Staff and volunteers do so much to maintain the high standards of the Green Flag Award. Everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

A full list of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available at Keep Britain Tidy.