THE jewels in Colchester's green crown have been recognised by a national environmental charity.

A total of 170 green spaces across the East of England will be flying green flags to celebrate high standards achieved to secure a coveted Green Flag Award chaired by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Among those are the award-winning Castle Park, Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium and the High Woods Country Park, all managed by Colchester Council.

Cudmore Grove Country Park in East Mersea and Great Notley Country Park, both managed by Essex County Council also won awards.

Clacton Seafront and Marine Gardens, Cliff Park in Dovercourt, Crescent Garden in Frinton and Weeley Crematorium, all manged by Tendring Council all won awards.

The University of Essex's Wivenhoe Park also won a coveted Green Flag.

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “Parks are an essential part of our green infrastructure, playing a key role in our environmental sustainability."