A group of Midland parks have been highlighted as among the best in the country after receiving a Government award for excellence.
A total of 18 parks from across the region are among the 322 national Green Flag Award winners.
The award recognises excellence for parks and green spaces, which are judged on how welcoming, safe and well maintained they are.
Judges also look for strong community involvement in maintaining the green spaces, which range from Victorian parks and town centre gardens, to nature reserves, country parks and cemeteries.
This year's winners include the Waseley Hills Country Park on the border of Birmingham and Worcestershire, Worcester Woods Country Park, in Worcester, and Baggeridge Country Park in Sedgley, South Staffordshire.
Kay Andrews, Minister for Housing and Planning, said: "I'm delighted that there are more Green Flag Award winners this year than ever before.
"It is yet more evidence that our parks are on the up and that more people are enjoying green space of the highest standard.
"We all know that good quality parks are jewels in the crown of any community. These open-air leisure centres are places where people can relax, exercise and play.
"And the best thing of all is that they are free for everyone to use."
Waseley Hills Country Park, which is managed by Worcestershire County Council, covers 150 acres of pasture and woodland and attracts about 250,000 visitors a year.
The judges particularly praised the conservation of flora, fauna and natural features as "excellent".
The number of winning sites increased by 69 this year, said Paul Todd, programme manager of the Civic Trust environmental charity, which runs The Green Flag Award scheme.
