A park in Wembley has been given a Green Flag for the first time bringing the total number of parks in Brent with the highest accolade to an impressive eight.

The award, which has been presented to King Edward VII Park, recognises the importance of green spaces and rewards the best parks in the community.

Other parks in the borough which have Green Flag status are Barham Park, Roundwood Park, The Welsh Harp Reservoir, Gladstone Park, Preston Park, Mapesbury Dell and Fryent Country Park.

The Green Flag judges look for parks that are welcoming, clean, safe, well maintained, healthy, sustainable, have community involvement and management.

Councillor James Powney, lead member for environment and neighbourhoods, said: “It’s a perfect reward for the hard work and commitment of all the team and community involved. It is also an extraordinary achievement that eight of our parks have successfully reached Green Flag award status this year.

“As the recession bites and people look closer to home to enjoy the outdoors, the provision of high quality parks is essential. I want to thank everyone in the council’s Sports and Parks Service for all their hard work on this.”