GOLDEN sand from a resort in Tendring has helped to win a prestigious gold award at the Chelsea Flower Show.

About 15 bags of sand from Frinton beach were taken earlier this month to be used as part of a garden display at this year's Royal Horticultural Society event.

The Good Gifts Garden, which was entered in the courtyard gardens section, represents a seaside coastal garden from the 1950s.

Designers Adam Woolcott, Jonathan Smith and Cormac Conway had difficulty acquiring authentic beach sand for the garden, but Tendring councillor Giles Watling, who visited the display yesterday, helped get permission to use the resort's sand.

Mr Watling said he was proud to see Frinton sand on display as part of the garden.

"It just shows what can be achieved when everyone works together and the gold award is the icing on the cake," he said.

The council leases Frinton beach from Crown Estate and allowed the sand to be taken.

Pierre Oxley, leisure portfolio holder, said he was delighted the garden had struck gold.

"It is fantastic news and I am really pleased for the designers," he said.