SEVEN parks in the Southend borough have been awarded Green Flags.

Chalkwell, Belfairs, Southchurch, Shoebury, and Priory Parks all retained their Green Flag awards along with Southchurch Hall Gardens, whilst Leigh Library Gardens achieved a Green Flag in its first year of entry, thanks to the dedicated support of the Friends of Leigh Library Gardens group.

The Green Flag awards recognise well maintained parks and green spaces across the country.

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for environment and planning, said: "The council and our residents are passionate about the green spaces in our town, and so to achieve yet another record number of Green Flag parks is testament to the hard work of our parks team."

"I must also thank the brilliant volunteer groups who work tirelessly year round in our parks, with personal and very special thanks to those involved in the Friends of Leigh Library Gardens group who have been working with the council to bring Leigh Library Gardens up to the standard needed to achieve its first ever Green Flag award."

Russell Hallmark, chair of the Friends of Leigh Library Gardens, said: "At a time when green space is so important for social wellbeing, the receipt of this award is a fantastic outcome for our community and the visitors to Leigh.

"I would like to acknowledge the commitment from our volunteers and the successful collaboration with the council’s parks team for achieving this important milestone in our first year - which now presents us with the possibility to build on this success and to enhance and improve the gardens further."