GREEN flags will continue to fly in three Taunton Deane parks.

Wellington, Vivary and Victoria have all scooped the prestigious Green Flag Award, which recognises the best parks in the country. Victoria was awarded a Green Flag for the first time last year, while has won it for a fourth consecutive year and Vivary for the third year on the trot.

Wellington Park celebrates double success as the park retains its Green Heritage Site Accreditation, an award that is sponsored by the English Heritage and recognises parks that are of particular heritage interest.

The winners are being announced today but the Green Flag Award Ceremony 2006 will take place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Thursday, August 3.

"Wellington, Vivary and Victoria all mean a great deal to their local community and undoubtedly raise the quality of life.

"Not only do they look wonderful at the moment in terms of the summer colour but also because of the work that has taken place to improve the quality of park furniture and play equipment.

"There have been many positive achievements lately from the very successful community events organised by the dedicated Friends of the Parks to the recruitment of a Vivary Park Officer to the new Victoria Park play equipment, which has been a big hit with the local children.

"Our parks are going from strength to strength and my thanks to the Park Services for all their hard work," said Cllr John Clark, Executive Councillor for Leisure, Arts & Culture at Taunton Deane Council.

The Green Flag awards are run on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flags.

The award reflects the high standard of park management as there are eight criteria which Green Flag Award judges assess a welcoming place, healthy, safe and secure, well maintained and clean, sustainability, conservation and heritage, community involvement, marketing and management.

Grade II listed Wellington Park, is one of only seven sites to be accorded the Heritage Site Accreditation.

The park was designed by the renowned landscape gardener Meyer and deemed by the judges to be an excellent example of an Edwardian park.

The Parks Service has not only contributed to the Green Flag Award but also plays an important role in the Britain in Bloom competitions and is responsible for all the floral displays in and around Taunton and Wellington.