SEVERAL Wirral parks are now proudly flying their Green Flags – some for the first time ever – after a series of ceremonies.

Queens Park in Hoylake, Bebington's Mayer Park, Central Park in Wallasey and Victoria Park, Birkenhead all hosted events to hoist their hard-earned accolade last Saturday to coincide with the eighth annual World Parks Day.

Wirral Globe:

Raising the Green Flag in Queens Park, Hoylake

World Parks Day is organised by a group called World Urban Parks and represents an opportunity for people around the world to celebrate their local parks and green spaces and the important role they play in the community.

Wirral Globe:

Cllr Chris Meaden raises the Green Flag in Victoria Park, Birkenhead with park volunteers

It was the perfect occasion then for those four Wirral parks – who were among 22 in the borough to receive a Green Flag award from Keep Britain Tidy this year – to celebrate with members of their local community, Friends groups and other guests.

Wirral Globe:

Councillors Chris Jones, Adrian Jones, Bernie Mooney and Chris Meaden raise the flag in Central Park, Wallasey with park volunteers

Present at all ceremonies was Cllr Chris Meaden, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture.

She said: "Our parks and green spaces are at the heart of our communities are they are so important to Wirral’s identity.

"They play a part in promoting health and wellbeing as well as helping to build strong communities and reduce social isolation, which are all priorities for the council and included as part of our '20/20' pledges to the people of Wirral.

"Having successful, popular parks requires a huge team effort so it’s great to have these ceremonies to bring everyone together and celebrate the achievements.

"Everyone plays a key role in setting and maintaining the high standards required to earn a Green Flag and I would like to say a huge thank you once again to everyone who has done their bit this year."