CALDICOT Castle and the Old Station in Tintern have been named as some of the best open spaces and parks in the country.

The attractions have each been awarded a coveted Green Flag award which recognise the high standards of maintenance and the efforts of volunteers.

Caldicot Castle is set in 55 acres of country park and is popular for picnics as well as large-scale events.

New manager Mike Booth said: "We are delighted that our efforts have been recognised with a Green Flag."

The castle and station are both managed by Monmouthshire County Council and are among three facilities run by the council that have earned the award.

The council's Cabinet member for environment and countryside, Cllr Giles Howard (Con, Llanelly Hill) said: "It's a source of great pride to us that three of our parks have been recognised as worthy of the Green Flag Award.

A record 101 Green Flags were awarded across Wales by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy.