Open spaces across Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere have been recognised as some of the best in the country once again.

The parks have been accredited in the Green Flag Award Scheme, now in its third decade.

Watford’s green spaces have been granted more Green Flag awards than any other district in Hertfordshire for the fourth year running.

They include Cassiobury Park, Woodside Playing Fields, Cheslyn House and Gardens, Waterfields Recreation Ground, Callowland Recreation Ground, Orchard Park, Oxhey Park, St Mary’s Churchyard, Goodwood Recreation Ground, Paddock Road Allotments, North Watford Cemetery, and Harwoods Recreation Ground.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said he was pleased that Watford had the highest number of green flags in Hertfordshire and across the country.

He said: “When I speak to residents, many of them tell me that our fantastic parks and green spaces are one of the things they like most about Watford.We’re always investing in improvements and next year I’m looking forward to seeing even more local parks and green spaces get Green Flag Status.”

The Chorleywood House Estate Local Nature Reserve, Leavesden Country Park and the Aquadrome Local Nature Reserve were all recognised in Three Rivers.

King George Recreation Ground in Bushey has now held the green flag accolade for an impressive 21 years.

Mary Forsdyke Garden and Warren Lake, located in the heart of Bushey Heath, retained the award for the second year.

Elsewhere in Hertsmere, Fishers Field Nature Reserve in Bushey received a special Green Flag community award for the eleventh time in recognition of work carried out by local volunteers who manage the site in partnership with the council, while Bushey Rose Garden received Green Heritage Site accreditation because of its historic features and standard of conservation, for the ninth year in a row.