COLCHESTER’S Castle Park has received a Green Flag Award for the 11th year in a row.


It is one of eight beauty spots in north and mid Essex to have retained the award from Keep Britain Tidy.


The judges hand out the awards to parks and gardens that offer beautiful scenery, programmes of events and good facilities.


High Woods Country Park in Colchester collected it for the tenth year running.
Essex County Council-run country parks Great Notley and Cudmore Grove in East Mersea also made the grade, as did Clacton’s seafront gardens and the Crescent Garden, in Frinton.


Also recognised are St Peter-ad-Vincula Churchyard in Coggeshall and community allotments near Halstead.


Paul Todd, Green Flag Award scheme manager, said: “A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.”