GREEN treasures across north Essex have been recognised with prestigious Green Flag awards.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has handed the national awards to Colchester’s Castle Park, with its flower gardens, children’s playground and boating lake and 24 acres of grass land, for the 11th year running.

Other green spaces to be awarded the gong include High Woods Country Park, Clacton seafront, Frinton’s Crescent Gardens and Weeley Crematorium for the first time.

Essex County Council run country parks, including East Mersea's Cudmore Grove and Great Notley, have also been recognised.

A small army of 800 volunteer judges assess applicant sites against eight criteria, including their cleanliness and conservation work.

Successful parks must be able to attract people to return again and again with special events and attractions.