WEELEY Crematorium’s gardens have been crowned the best in the region after scooping gold in the Anglia in Bloom awards.

The Tendring Council-run crematorium was tipped for glory after being awarded gold last year, but missing out on the top spot.

Frinton failed to hang on to its title as best small town.

Halesworth, in Suffolk, clinched gold and the top spot, while Frinton came away with a silver gilt award.

It was the first time since 2009 the town had failed to receive a gold from judges.

Frinton in Bloom’s David Foster said: “I tipped Weeley for gold and to win and they did – they did a really good job.

“I thought we did a really good job as well, but like everything, it’s the judges’ opinion and I accept what they gave us.

“Silver gilt is still a really high mark. It means you are just one or two off gold and I am sure we can sort it out next year.”

But he admitted: “From our point of viewif you don’t get gold, everyone is a little disappointed.”

Mr Foster was delighted the Old Church came away with a silver award in the churchyards category.

Frinton in Bloom joined forces with the church and residents’ association in a community effort to spruce up the site.

Weeley Crematorium also won a Green Flag award this summer, for the third year running.

The grounds aremaintained by a full-time gardener with help from the council’s open spaces team and pupils fromthe village’s St Andrew’s Primary School.

Council environment boss Michael Talbot said: “To be awarded a gold award for the second time and then be crowned overall winner is a fantastic achievement for all concerned and is recognition for those who put in so much time and effort on the site.”