Members of Saffron Walden Town Council are "thrilled" after being awarded 'Council of the Year' by the Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC).

During the awards ceremony at Colchester Stadium, EALC praised the town council for its "innovative and creative" new initiatives.

These included the Pop Up Start Up Markets, which are funded by a successful Shared Prosperity Fund bid, the man-made Beach on the Common, the recent refurbishment of the former NatWest Bank to create retail, residential and office space, and the creation of the Jubilee Hub Community Centre.

The council was further recognised for achieving the Gold Quality Award, which demonstrates it is "at the forefront of best practice and achieves excellence in governance, community leadership and council development". 

A number of other core services were also praised for their contribution to the town, including the award-winning public open spaces and tourist information centre.

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Cllr Deryk Eke, Mayor of Saffron Walden Town Council, said: "I am delighted to be town mayor of such a successful council.

"This award recognises the hard work and effort from officers and councillors alike.

"It is evidence that a successful team can achieve great things working in, and for, our community and residents."