Solihull has retained its position as the West Midlands borough with the highest number of Green Flag Award-winning green spaces after two more sites secured the prestigious accolade.

Widney Manor Cemetery and Blythe Valley Park have both been awarded Green Flag status for the first time this year, taking Solihull's total number of Green Flag sites to 21.

The annual Green Flag Award, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, recognises some of the UK's best parks and open spaces and is regarded as the national benchmark for well-managed green areas.

Widney Manor Cemetery, maintained by environmental contractor Veolia, achieved the award after meeting strict criteria covering cleanliness, accessibility, biodiversity and sustainable management.

Blythe Valley Park, maintained by Whiting Landscape Ltd, also secured Green Flag status for the first time.

All of Solihull's existing Green Flag sites have also successfully retained their awards, meaning the borough now boasts 21 recognised sites – the highest total in the West Midlands.

Cllr Ken Hawkins, Solihull Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, welcomed the achievement.

He said: "We are rightly proud of our green spaces and for Solihull to obtain its 21st award is very special and testament to the hard work of our dedicated Council staff, partners at Veolia, and our local volunteers and organisations who work hard all-year round to ensure they are safe, welcoming and beautiful places to visit.

"The award for Widney Manor Cemetery in particular means all three of our cemeteries have obtained Green Flag status, ensuring they provide a peaceful place for residents and visitors to reflect on and remember the time spent with their loved ones."

Sue Cummine, Senior Contract Manager at Veolia Solihull, said the award reflected the company's commitment to maintaining the borough's green spaces.

She said: "This award reflects our commitment to excellence in caring for Solihull's parks and green spaces.

"Through our dedicated grounds maintenance service with Solihull Council, we take pride in maintaining the community's cherished spaces, keeping sites like Widney Manor Cemetery beautiful and accessible for residents to visit."

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Green Flag Award scheme, with a record 2,391 sites across the UK receiving the accolade.

Solihull's 21 Green Flag Award sites include Malvern and Brueton Park, Tudor Grange Park, Dorridge Park and Wood, Elmdon Park, Shirley Park, Robin Hood Cemetery and Widney Manor Cemetery.