More than 70 parks and green spaces in Northern Ireland have achieved a Green Flag Award.

A record 71 parks and green spaces have secured the accolade, which is an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management for parks and open, green spaces.

Overall for the 2018/19 season, there were nine first-time winners across all participating council areas.

Dr Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said: "We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

"We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in Northern Ireland for people to experience, and encourage the public to head outdoors.

"The Green Flag Award is a sign of a well-managed, clean and safe park and with many people increasingly relying on their local park as a place to exercise, relax and have fun, quality green space has never been more important.

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"Research shows that people will only visit a park if they perceive it to be clean and safe; and the Green Flag Award is an easy way for the public to see at a glance that their park meets the highest standards.

"All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the hundreds of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award."

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Cllr Sean McPeake, who opened the awards event at the Hill of The O'Neill, said: "Parks and open spaces matter to our residents for a whole variety of reasons. 91% of people believe that open spaces improve their quality of life, and it's said a green view can reduce stress in 3 to 5 minutes.

"Studies have also shown that a daily walk in the park can reduce the risk of a heart attack by as much as 50%. Good quality open spaces can reduce anti-social behaviour and play a role in community cohesion as everyone - communities and neighbours - use the space together.

"They also play a critical role in caring for and sustaining our environment and natural habitats – one hectare of trees and shrubs can absorb one tonne of CO2, that's the equivalent of emissions from 100 family cars."

(LM/MH)