WIRRAL'S parks and green spaces have once again been rated among the best in the country.

And this year sees a new name join Wirral's list of high performing beauty spots.

Victoria Park in Rock Ferry is now one of 15 parks in Wirral to receive the Green Flag Award. 

Councillor Chris Meaden, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Wirral's parks and green spaces are absolutely crucial to how we as Wirral residents think about our area.

"We are increasingly seeing local communities becoming involved in partnership working with our parks and countryside service and helping to develop and maintain our parks, and it is a credit to our staff, volunteers and friends groups to receive this recognition for their hard work."

In order to achieve Green Flag status, all parks are assessed based on eight key criteria, including health, safety and security maintenance of equipment, buildings and litter.

Other areas of consideration are ceanliness and vandalism, environmental sustainability, conservation of heritage and community involvement.

Other parks to be awarded are:

Ashton Park, West Kirby,
Wirral Country Park, Thornton Hough Village Green,
Birkenhead Park,
Coronation Gardens, West Kirby,
Brotherton Park and Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve, Bromborough
Eastham Country Park,
Royden Park, Frankby,
Hilbre Island Local Nature Reserve,
Vale Park, New Brighton,
The Arno Gardens, Oxton,
Bidston Hill,
North Wirral Coastal Park,
Meols Park.