Colchester Cemetery was recognised at the National Cemetery of the Year Awards.

The cemetery on Mersea Road scooped the 2024/25 Best New Entry prize in the Large Burial Grounds category, which is for cemeteries with more than 10,000 graves.

The award was presented at the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Learning Convention and Exhibition on September 24.

Councillor Natalie Sommers, portfolio holder for communities, heritage and public protection, said: "This award is a fantastic recognition of our cemeteries team, highlighting their dedication to delivering reliable, friendly, and high-quality service to our community.

"The team has truly gone above and beyond, and I couldn’t be more excited for them to receive this national honour.

"They should feel incredibly proud of this well-deserved achievement."

The awards, which have been running for nearly 20 years, are organised by the Memorial Awareness Board.

Philip Potts, of the Memorial Awareness Board, said: "The awards are an excellent opportunity to reward hard-working staff and demonstrate the central role cemeteries can play in the community.

"They provide places of peaceful contemplation and beauty as well as their ecological importance.

"The team at Colchester Cemetery performed exceptionally throughout the extensive judging period which is focused on industry standards, environmental issues and good practice."