Roker, Mowbray and Herrington Country Parks have been named in a list of best parks in England by the Civic Trust.

Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, which was formed as part of a reclamation project on the former British Coal site in the 1990s, also featured on the list.

The Green Flag Award is a national standard for quality parks and green spaces set up to recognise and encourage the protection and enhancement of the environment.

Organisers say parks and open spaces are assessed on community use, the quality of landscapes, safety, cleanliness and accessibility.

Councillor Mel Speding, responsible for culture and leisure in the city, said: "We are very lucky in Sunderland to have high quality parks to experience and be proud of.

"The award is a true testament to the partnership working of our parks staff, friends groups and community groups who work hard throughout the year to keep the parks to such an excellent standard and maintain the features for all residents and visitors to enjoy.

"It is a great achievement for our parks to be recognised nationally."

Councillor James Blackburn, responsible for planning and transportation, added: "The transformation of former colliery land at Rainton Meadows into a nature reserve of this quality is a great achievement, and the coveted Green Flag award is an acknowledgement of the effort made by everyone involved in its success.

"This level of national recognition for a local nature reserve is also something for the residents of Sunderland to feel particularly proud of."

A total of 743 public parks and green spaces across the country – 42 in the North East – have received the award this year after being judged as welcoming and well maintained.

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme application manager, said: "The increasing number of Green Flag Award winning parks and green spaces highlight the important role they play in bringing people together and improving their quality of life.

"Congratulations to all the management, staff, and in particular, thousands of volunteers whose hard work and dedication has brought this award of excellence."

This year's winners will celebrate their achievements and collect their flags at a ceremony in Liverpool on Thursday.