Sandbach Park is among seven green spaces across the borough to be awarded a Green Flag Award.

The award comes in a year when more people than ever have come to recognise the importance of green spaces within the town.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.

Sandbach councillor and Cheshire East Council's cabinet member with responsibility for green space, Laura Crane, said: "I'm delighted that our beautiful parks have been recognised in this prestigious way. This year has been a very challenging year for everyone, with our public open spaces being a lifeline for many.

"To be able to continue to care for such precious historic sites in such difficult circumstances is a real demonstration of the dedication of our staff and volunteers."

Commenting on Cheshire East's success, Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: "This year, more than ever, our parks and green spaces have been a lifeline and we know that millions of people have used them to relax, meet friends, exercise or simply escape for a short time."

A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: "It is testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of parks staff and volunteers that, despite the challenges that went along with record numbers of visitors, Cheshire East, along with Ansa Environmental Services and the Friends of the Park groups have achieved the highest international standards."