Two popular town parks will continue to fly the flag for Wycombe after receiving national recognition, taking their place alongside the best open spaces in the country.

It is the thirteenth consecutive year that Marlow’s Higginson Park will have The Green Flag on display and the fifth successive year for The Rye in High Wycombe.

The parks, managed by Wycombe District Council, are the home of numerous community events – including the Wycombe Park Run, which celebrated its 200th fun run around The Rye last month.

Cllr Julia Adey, Wycombe District Council’s Cabinet member for Community, said: “We are delighted that our two major parks have once again been recognised by Keep Britain Tidy and we are proud to fly The Green Flag.

“The Rye and Higginson Park are two of the best open spaces in the country and combine beautiful natural features with fantastic facilities for everyone to enjoy.

“This award highlights that the people of the Wycombe district benefit from green spaces of the very highest quality and recognises the hard work of everyone at the council and our contractor, Quadron, to ensure the high standards are maintained.”

The Rye and Higginson Park are among a record-breaking 1,686 parks and green spaces to receive the prestigious Green Flag Award this year. The flag is the mark of a quality park or green space.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, especially as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the awards.

“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”