Two of Ealing's parks have once again been recognised in The Civic Trust's prestigious Green Flag Awards.

Southall Park and Acton Park have both kept their Green Flag status and will continue to fly the flags until mid-2008. This is the third Green Flag Award for Southall Park and the fourth for Acton Park.

The independent Green Flag Award is presented annually to parks that have reached the national standard and has become the benchmark against which the quality of public parks and green spaces can be measured. To win, a park has to be well managed, have good environmental practices and be well used and highly thought of by the public.

Head of Parks, Countryside and Events, Steve Marshall said: "Providing beautiful and well maintained parks and green spaces for the community is a high priority for Ealing Council and we are delighted to again be recognised for our efforts.”

"Parks and green spaces provide the community with areas to play, reflect and relax and are important to the overall well being of Ealing residents. Achieving Green Flag status means that our parks are among the best in the country and we will continue to maintain and improve their condition to ensure they stay this way."

The Civic Trust uses eight criteria to judge the Green Flag Awards: a welcoming place; healthy, safe and secure; well maintained and clean; sustainability; conservation and heritage; community involvement; marketing; and management.