Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has announced that it has received eight Green Flag Awards from the environmental charity, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

At the national Green Flag awards event at Lagan Valley Island, Dr. Sue Christie OBE, Interim Chief Executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, presented the awards to the council.

These Green Flag recognise the high-quality spaces in Lisburn and Castlereagh at Billy Neill MBE Country Park, Moat Park, Moira Demesne, Bells Lane Allotments, Castle Gardens, Sir Milne Barbour Memorial Park, Wallace Park and Glenmore Parkland Trail.

Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Kurtis Dickson, said: "We are immensely proud to play our part to provide quality parks and green spaces for residents and visitors alike. This year we secured eight flags which includes our first one for Glenmore Parkland Trail.

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"Green Flag awards are a public testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, community groups and volunteers. They each work tirelessly to create clean, beautiful and welcoming green spaces within our communities.

"Our green spaces offer opportunities for families and individuals to be active outdoors and get together. As Mayor I am delighted to have the opportunity to say, ‘well done’ to everyone involved and let us keep up the excellent work."

A Green Flag signals to the public that the space meets the highest standards, is well maintained and has excellent facilities.

Councillor Jonathan Craig, Communities and Wellbeing Chairman, added: "As a council we take pride in our area and to have our parks and green spaces independently assessed as award winning is excellent. It is a tremendous achievement to see Castle Gardens in the city centre retain its flag for 14 years in a row.

"Throughout the year, our team works diligently to keep our parks and open spaces in great shape. These spaces provide not only a sanctuary to wildlife but also offer invaluable recreational and wellbeing benefits to our communities

"The role of keeping these award-winning spaces neat and tidy is not only one for council officers. We have many enthusiastic volunteers who each week help to collect litter carelessly disregarded by others. Thank you to everyone involved in keeping these vital community facilities in immaculate condition."