BEAUTIFUL open spaces in Weymouth and Portland have got the green light to be held up as some of the very best parks and gardens in the country.

Greenhill Gardens and Sandsfoot Gardens in Weymouth and Easton Gardens on Portland have all received the prestigious Green Flag Award from environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The award recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Greenhill Gardens has received a Green Flag Award for the last 11 years, Easton Gardens for the last 10 years and Sandsfoot Gardens for the last six years.

Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s spokesman for community facilities Cllr Kate Wheller said: “We are delighted to receive Green Flag Awards for three of our gardens.

"Weymouth and Portland has some of the best parks and gardens in the country and I am pleased that this has been recognised officially.

"The awards recognise the hard work and achievements of both the council's parks department and the all the volunteers and Friends' groups."

Cllr Wheller added: “We are currently running a competition to encourage people to get out and enjoy their local park or garden. All you have to do is go to one of the borough’s green spaces, take a photograph and post it using the hashtag #loveweyportparks and you could win £100.

“I hope the news that we have won green flags and the chance to win £100 will encourage more people to get out and about and visit their local gardens. It is such a fun thing to do, as well as being healthy and free.”

Residents who prefer to email in a photograph can send it to communication@dorset.gov.uk or post it to Photography Competition, South Walks House, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ. Terms and conditions apply and are available along with more details at dorsetforyou.com/parkscompetition