The capital has been given eight green flags by environmental charity Keep Britain Charity.

The areas in Douglas that impress the charity were Derby Square, the cemetery, the golf course; Douglas Head; Hutchinson Square; Marine Gardens; Noble’s Park and Summerhill Glen.

The council’s regeneration and community committee chairman, Councillor Stephen Pitts, said: ’All the parks service team are committed to making the council’s green spaces as attractive as possible throughout the year.

’Long before the council’s first submissions to the green flag campaign, our head of parks David Hewes and his team were always showing tremendous initiative and vision, creating eye-catching displays and contributing to the capital’s quality of life.

’The green flag campaign, however, provides an added focus and strengthens the team’s resolve to build on their previous successes, as winners must re-apply each year. To have been awarded eight green flags in 2018 - including two new entries, Derby Square and Summerhill Glen - is truly exceptional.

’To create outstanding floral displays, many of which are inspired by cultural, national or world events, takes tremendous enthusiasm and imagination. It also takes teamwork so I congratulate the parks service team for bringing about such positive outcomes year on year in the green flag campaign.’