Two crematoriums in County Durham have retained their Green Flag status for another year.
Mountsett Crematorium and Durham Crematorium have each been given a Green Flag, an international award which acknowledges parks and green spaces for their good quality, excellent facilities, and high standards of maintenance.
Both sites are maintained by Durham County Council, with Durham Crematorium run in partnership with Spennymoor Town Council and Mountsett Crematorium in conjunction with Gateshead Council.
Graham Harrison, Durham County Council’s bereavement services manager, said: “We are pleased that our crematoriums have once again been awarded a Green Flag. The accolade acknowledges the hard work put in by staff to keep grounds in the best condition for everyone who visits.
“Our crematoriums are a place for very personal ceremonies and memorials, so it is important to us that these grounds are maintained to a high standard so that they are a calming and pleasant environment for visitors.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.
Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to apply for a Green Flag Award.
Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status.