THREE council-run outdoor areas have been recognised in an international scheme.

Andover's Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve, Valley Park Woodlands, near Chandler's Ford, and Romsey War Memorial Park have all been given the prestigious Green Flag Award.

The three areas are among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces to receive the honour - regarded as the gold standard for quality parks or green spaces.

It is the ninth consecutive year that Rooksbury Mill has received the award and the eight consecutive year that Valley Park has also been awarded a Green Flag.

Romsey Memorial Park has now held the title for a decade.

Community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor Tony Ward, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive three Green Flag Awards for another year.

"We know how much it means to residents and visitors to have high quality green spaces, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining all three of our parks to such a high standard.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd,said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

"Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

"The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people."