A town council has been re-accredited with one of the highest honours in an awards ceremony.

Waltham Abbey Town Council has been given 'Quality Gold Status' as part of the Local Council Awards Scheme run by the National Association of Local Councils.

Essex Accreditation Panel chairman councillor, Peter Davey, said: "Waltham Abbey has continued to maintain its high standards since its last Quality Gold accreditation.

"This is an excellent professional application supported by relevant evidence. On this basis I am delighted to be able to re-accredit Waltham Abbey Town Council at Quality Gold Level."

Waltham Abbey Town Council clerk, Kathryn Richmond, said: "We are delighted to have achieved this prestigious award once again.

"To be awarded Quality Gold status by our peers is a major achievement by the council, both the members and staff working together.

"The scheme, run by the National Association of Local Councils and administered by the Essex Association of Local Councils, offers councils the opportunity to show that they meet the standards set by the sector, in governance, finance and community.

"The award means even more to councils as it is assessed by their peers."