Green Flags for Leicester parks and open spaces
A record number of Leicester parks and open spaces have been recognised as being among the best in Britain.
The sites have received Green Flag awards in a scheme led by Keep Britain Tidy, BTCV and GreenSpace.
The city retained all the sites which have previously won the national awards, as well as gaining one new additional Green Flag.
Leicester City Council said the total of eight Green Flags was the highest number ever held by the city.
Green Flag Award-winning areas now include Aylestone Hall Gardens, Abbey Park and its grounds, Castle Gardens, Evington Park, Knighton Park, Welford Road Cemetery and Watermead County Park, held jointly with Leicestershire County Council.
For the first time, Humberstone Park has also been awarded Green Flag status.
Councillor Piara Singh Clair said: "This is great news for the city, and reflects the hard work by everyone involved in making sure our parks are well-managed, pleasant and appealing places for visitors of all ages.
"I'm delighted that we now have the highest number of Green Flag Awards ever in the city, including one for Humberstone Park for the very first time."
The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces.