BURY Council is flying high after two local parks scooped prestigious national awards.

Burrs Country Park and Openshaw Park have won Green Flags, the countryside equivalent of the Blue Flags awarded to quality beaches.

Only 58 parks in the North West have achieved this standard, under a scheme run by the Civic Trust and the Commission for the Built Environment (CABE).

The council has regenerated 11 parks out of 14 across the borough and plans to submit other parks for Green Flag status next year.

Neil Long, Bury Council's head of parks and open spaces, said: "The council recognises the overwhelming benefit of good quality, safe and locally accessible parks and countryside in promoting lifelong learning, healthy living and social inclusion. It is also important to realise that high quality parks encourage community participation and contribute towards urban regeneration."

The Green Flag award for Burrs Country Park recognises the local authority's work in reclaiming derelict industrial land. The council began developing the site in 1986, based around the River Irwell and the remains of two cotton mills, Higher Woodhill Mill and Burrs Mill. This has left interesting archaeological remains and a water course through the site. Burrs offers many opportunities for outdoor pursuits, and boasts an activity centre, two countryside rangers and three artworks of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. It also hosts the annual agricultural show.

Openshaw Park, off Rochdale Road, has recently been improved with resurfaced paths, an all-weather ball zone, security fencing to the bowling green, and a new play area and benches. A park ranger organises events for the community and encourages volunteers to get involved through schemes such as the Openshaw Park gardening club.