PARKS and green spaces across the borough were recognised for their "high quality" and "picturesque" surroundings, last week.

The Civic Trust, which awards Green Flags to parks and green spaces across the country, confirmed that seven parks in Barnet have retained the prestigious award for 2009/10.

The parks, namely Edgwarebury, Friary, Hendon, Mill Hill, Oak Hill, Old Court House Recreation Ground and Victoria, are now set to host a number of family events this summer.

The Summer Play Rangers scheme, organised by Barnet Play Association, is running until Thursday in Oak Hill Park and from Monday, August 3 to Saturday, August 8 in Friary Park. It will then head to Victoria Park from Monday, August 17 to Thursday, August 20.

Barnet Police's West Finchley Safer Neighbourhoods Team is also holding an event in Victoria Park on Saturday.

Later in the month, the four-day Friern Barnet Summer Show will set up in Friary Park, from August 20 to 23. A new skatepark, which is currently under construction, will also be unveiled at the show.

The parks join more than 1,000 similar green spaces across the country that impressed the judges with their facilities and well managed green space, signage and amenities.

Council bosses said the events have been organised to “give residents and their families the opportunity to enjoy themselves in a high quality and picturesque green environment”.

Councillor Andrew Harper, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "The summer holidays give families a great chance to spend quality time together and, with the current economic climate, many people may be choosing to stay in the UK rather than venture abroad.

"Our borough has lots to offer through its seven Green Flag winning parks, with fun events and play facilities available throughout the next six weeks.”

For more more information on events in the borough's parks, telephone the Greenspaces team on 020 8359 7820.