Two Hitchin green spaces have been recognised among the best in the country after receiving prestigious Green Flag Awards, with St John's Cemetery earning the accolade for the first time.

The internationally recognised Green Flag Award is the benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces, recognising sites that are welcoming, well maintained and accessible.

This year, six sites across North Hertfordshire have been honoured:

• Oughtonhead Common, Hitchin – Green Flag winner for the 11th consecutive year
• St John's Cemetery, Hitchin – awarded Green Flag status for the first time
• Norton Common, Letchworth Garden City – 17th consecutive year
• Howard Park and Gardens, Letchworth Garden City – 12th consecutive year
• Ivel Springs, Baldock – 12th consecutive year
• Priory Memorial Gardens, Royston – 17th consecutive year

St John's Cemetery joins the list in the same year that the Friends of Hitchin Cemetery celebrated their 10th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the volunteer group that has helped care for and promote the historic site.

The awards also coincide with the Green Flag Award scheme celebrating its 30th anniversary.

North Herts Council's Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Amy Allen, said: "We're incredibly proud to see so many of our parks and green spaces once again achieving Green Flag status. Maintaining these high standards takes year-round effort, and it's fantastic to see that work recognised nationally.

"These awards are a testament to the hard work of our staff and volunteers, as well as the strong community spirit across North Herts. We'll continue to invest in and care for these important spaces so residents and visitors can enjoy them for years to come."

The Green Flag Award is run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and is recognised internationally as a mark of quality for parks and green spaces.

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Green Flag Award Manager Paul Todd MBE said: "Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy.

"With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it's a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people's quality of life."

North Herts Council works alongside grounds maintenance contractor John O'Conner and the Countryside Management Service, which supports local volunteer Friends groups, to maintain the district's parks and green spaces.

The six North Herts sites form part of a record 2,391 Green Flag Award winners across the UK this year, recognising the work of staff and volunteers in keeping the area's green spaces welcoming for residents and visitors alike.