Judges were impressed when they made a recent visit to Richmond's green spaces.

The Green Flag Award Scheme began in 1996 as a way of recognising the importance of parks and green spaces and encouraging high environmental standards.

The award measures a whole range of aspects associated with the management of parks including facilities, maintenance and community engagement.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts is chair of Richmond Council's Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sport Committee.

She said: "Over the past six months our parks and open spaces have been more important than ever.

"Our parks team, contractors and Friends groups have worked relentlessly to ensure that despite a huge rise in people using our green spaces, they have been welcoming to all."

After an extensive judging regime, Richmond was this month re-awarded all 19 of its Green Flags and gained a new flag for Heathfield Rec, bringing the new total to 20.

The 20 parks that where recognised by The Green Flag Awards were:

• Cambridge Gardens
• Carlisle Park
• Crane Park (Joint with London borough of Hounslow)
• Garricks Lawn
• Ham Village Green
• Hampton Common
• Hatherop Park
• Heathfield Rec
• Kew Green
• Kneller Gardens
• Murray Park
• North Sheen Rec
• Palewell Common & Fields
• Radnor Gardens
• Richmond Green
• Terrace Gardens and Buccleuch Gardens
• The King's Field
• Twickenham Green
• Westerly Ware
• York House Gardens