The city is celebrating a double award win for its parks and green spaces thanks to the Keep Britain Tidy Green Flag Awards Scheme.

Ely Country Park and Jubilee Gardens are among 1,686 parks and green spaces that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award - the mark of a quality park or green space.

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Councillor Richard Hobbs, chair of commercial services said:

"We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for both Jubilee Gardens and Ely Country Park. This is the 12th year of recognition for Jubilee Gardens and the third year for Ely Country Park from Keep Britain Tidy. The awards recognise and highlight that people in East Cambridgeshire are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality. It's extremely rewarding to receive national recognition for the Jubilee Gardens which demonstrates that when the council and volunteers like the Friends of Jubilee Gardens work together much can be achieved, for the whole of the community to enjoy. Ely Country Park is also enjoyed by many people throughout the year, and we are committed to continually improve and work with the whole community to maintain this park as a premier location.

This recognition is very much appreciated by East Cambridgeshire District Council and demonstrates the hard work and commitment by our open space and community team."

Pauline Sherwood, chair of the Friends of Jubilee Gardens said:

"The Friends of Jubilee Gardens support E.C.D.C. in providing a lovely garden by the river. They are an active group both in fundraising, working parties and buying plants for the garden. Two new beds have been redesigned this year and the next large project is the 'Queens' Wood' to be planted with 13 species trees in December. These will be under planted with bulbs and corms. We encourage new members to join us and we welcome donations of money and time."

Established in 2009, Ely Country Park is a fantastic place for families, residents and visitors to enjoy and explore the fenland landscape and great outdoors.

Special way markers have been placed around the Country Park marking out two trails which will help you to discover some spectacular views and wildlife of international importance. The walks called Kingfisher (long trail) and Bulrush (short trail) highlight the best of the natural fen landscape including the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) where people can test out their bird spotting skills.

The Country Park also has toddler, junior and youth play equipment, and bespoke picnic area located near the entrance at Fisherman's Car Park. People who visit the park can choose to fly along a zip wire, or enjoy a picnic with friends and family, or walk on the fenland and riverside pathways to do a bit of bird watching.

Jubilee Gardens is situated close to the centre of Ely. The gardens form part of a green corridor between the Great Ouse River and Broad Street. The riverfront end of the park links to Ely Country Park and Roswell Pits nature trail while the Board Street entrance links to Ely Park. The gardens were opened in 2002 by HRH Prince Philip. The gardens are formal in nature and offer a number of features including a toddlers' play area, a water feature and a bandstand. Also there is an eel sculpture, as the main route through the gardens is part of the famous Eel trail through Ely.  There are a number of public events held in the park on Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the summer, including music from local pop and brass bands.