TWO parks in Potters Bar have been nationally recognised for their excellent facilities.

Parkfield and Oakmere Park, both in High Street, have been awarded Green Flags for the high quality of their green spaces, signs and facilities.

Three other parks in Hertsmere also received awards. Aberford Park, in Borehamwood, and King George Recreation Ground, in Bushey, were awarded Green Flags, while Fishers Field Nature Reserve, in Bushey, received a Green Pennant, awarded to green spaces managed by voluntary and community groups.

TV presenter Michaela Strachan will present the awards at a ceremony in Bournemouth on Thursday.

Councillor Jean Heywood, cabinet member for the environment, said: "This is fantastic news. I'm not sure how many other councils can say they've got four green flags in their borough, as well as a Green Pennant.

"These awards recognise the hard work and dedication of our parks officers, ground maintenance teams and friends groups, who work tirelessly to ensure the parks are clean, safe and welcoming.

"It is especially nice that two parks in Potters Bar have been awarded Green Flags this year."

Ms Heywood singled out Potters Bar in Focus for thanks, along with Borehamwood Four Parks Friends Group, Aberford Community Centre Trust, Friends of King George Recreation Ground and Friends of Fishers Field.

Oakmere Park in Potters Bar received a flag from 2002 to 2007, but missed out last year. Parkfield receives the award for the first time.

Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the Green Flag scheme with environment charities BTCV and GreenSpaces, said: "I would like to congratulate this year's winners, who have worked hard to keep their parks to a high standard and ensure they are pleasant and enjoyable spaces for the whole community."

The council is celebrating the awards with a guided tree trail walk through Parkfield and Oakmere Park next Monday. Anyone wishing to take part should meet at the entrance of Parkfield, off the High Street, at 11am.