A record 423 parks across England and Wales have been awarded the Green Flag – the Civic Trust’s national benchmark for quality parks and green spaces – which is now in its 10th year.

This year saw a 31 per cent rise in the number of winners, which must be judged to be welcoming, safe and well maintained with the involvement of the local community.

Liveability minister Kay Andrews said: “This has been a decade of real achievement for our parks and green spaces. Across the country, communities have seen a renaissance take place in their local environment, with parks and green spaces once again becoming places of pride, bringing people together and improving their quality of life.”

The Grade II-listed Hexham Parks in Hexham, Northumberland, were awarded the Green Flag for the fifth year in a row.

Tynedale Council maintains the parks, which consist of several green spaces within the centre of Hexham. Cllr Fiona Hunter, special advisor on community, health and culture, said: “We are tremendously proud to receive this award because it recognises that we have continued to maintain and even improve high standards in the parks over a period of years.”

Clifton Country Park in Salford joined Blackleach Country Park and Victoria Park as the city’s third location to receive a Green Flag.

Cllr Maureen Lea of Salford City Council said: “I am delighted for those involved in the new winning site, but am also proud of the two sites which have managed to retain their award.”

The 10th anniversary of the Green Flag was marked by a ceremony at the ICC in Birmingham, where all 423 winners were awarded their flags. Details: www.greenflagaward.org.uk

Photograph: Cllr Fiona Hunter of Tynedale Council at the Abbey Grounds, part of Hexham Parks