GRAYS Beach Riverside Park has won back its Green Flag status after it lost the award last year.

The site was praised for a “fantastic” range of activities for all ages, including its giant sand pit, free entertainment, bouncy castle and splash pool with interactive water jets.

Green Flag status is awarded to parks and open spaces that provide excellent facilities and are also environmentally friendly.

The award is due to be presented to Thurrock Council at a ceremony in Liverpool.

Terry Hipsey, leader of the council, said: “Grays Beach Park is the jewel in our crown and fully deserves this award.

“Visiting the park always reminds me Thurrock is a wonderful place. During the summer months when it’s packed with happy, smiling young faces, I don’t think there is a better place to be.

“People come from miles away to enjoy what’s on at the park and many of our own residents do too. People who haven’t visited should come and see for themselves.”

Pauline Tolson, the chairman of the environment overview and scrutiny committee, said the award had been the result of a lot of hard work.

She said: “I would like to thank all staff and the Friends of Grays Beach who worked so hard to win this prestigious award. Without their efforts this would not be possible.

“There were some who doubted our commitment when we lost the award.

“I can say now, with confidence, we may have taken our eye off the ball for a while, but our commitment to Grays Beach Riverside Park has always been 100 per cent and regaining this award simply confirms that.”

There are a series of activities on at the park over the summer starting on Saturday with Thurrock Festival.