WE should all be very proud of these awards. These are the words of Steve Burton, the head of streetscene at Hertsmere Borough Council. He was speaking after a ceremony in

WE should all be very proud of these awards."

These are the words of Steve Burton, the head of streetscene at Hertsmere Borough Council.

He was speaking after a ceremony in Bournemouth, at which the council was given four Green Flag awards and one Green Pennant in recognition of the quality of its green spaces.

As reported in this newspaper on July 22, two of the Green Flag gongs were given to parks in Potters Bar, namely Oakmere Park, off High Street, and Parkfield, off Billy Lows Lane.

The awards were presented by TV presenter Michaela Strachan, best known as co-host of The Really Wild Show.

Speaking about the ceremony, Steve said: "You could say the awards are equivalent to the Oscars for the parks team!

"The organisers laid on a dinner and I think some of the officers were excited about meeting Michaela Strachan as many had grown up watching The Really Wild Show.

"I would like to congratulate the parks team for this great achievement and thank them for all their hard work throughout the year."

He added: "A big thank you also goes to our grounds maintenance team at John O'Connor and all the friends and community groups that get involved with their local parks to help make them special places to visit.

"I would also like to thank all those who use the parks and take time to enjoy them - we should all be very proud of these awards.