Halstead's Public Gardens were well received by judges.

For the first year, the gardens, in Trinity Street, were entered into Anglia in Bloom as a separate entry for judging in the annual competition.

The gardens were awarded silver gilt - between silver and gold - in the medium park category.

The judging report, by Brian Gardner and Margaret Spencer, reads: “The Public Gardens are a credit to the maintenance team and to the volunteers of Halstead in Bloom who put in so much work throughout the year.

“The floral displays all looked healthy with a good choice of plants.

“The green spaces were neat and tidy.

“The gardens are used by residents and visitors to Halstead as well as local school children and social groups.

“It is well deserving of the reward.”