A POPULAR park has retained its status as one of the best green spaces in the country.

South Woodford's Elmhurst Gardens, off Gordon Road, has kept hold of the 'green flag status' which it earned last year.

The Keep Britain Tidy group recognises the best parks in the country and parks go through a rigorous judging process which assesses a number of areas including safety and security, cleanliness, management of the facility and signage and access.

Hainault Forest Country Park also retained the status it was given last year and Valentines Park in Ilford has now been awarded the prestigious status after a new outdoor gym was installed, as well the tennis courts having been revamped and improvements carried out to park furniture and signs.

The tennis courts at Elmhurst Gardens have also been refurbished, the Friends of Elmhurst Garden helped the council with a new sustainable planting scheme at the park and new natural play areas have been installed.

Redbridge Council nominated a number of parks for the award this year and worked closely with groups in each park to help prepare for the judging process.