Councillors thanked volunteers and businesses who have continued to maintain their garden for the past three years.

North Weald Bassett Parish Council has received a financial contribution from several stores along the High Street, including Stuart Poulton Ltd, Green Acres Woodland Burials, Davis Homes estate agents, Cinnamon Indian restaurant and Thornwood Grounds Maintenance.

North Weald Bassett Preservation Society have also been thanked for their continued sponsorship of the box garden on the green at Wheelers Farm Gardens.

Parish council chairman, Alan Buckley, said: "The floral displays continue to thrive and mature which has turned the area into a very attractive centrepiece for the village.

"The old telephone box has been dispensed with which adds to the ambience of the area.

"A lot of hard work goes into the maintenance of the garden with weeding and seasonal plantings and I would like to thank our volunteers - George Mulliner, Margaret Mulliner and Daphne Buckley - for all their help during the year.

"Many residents have commented on the garden and we welcome any offers of assistance for two or three times a year."

Passers-by are encouraged to follow the garden's slogan when they are walking by - 'If you feel the need - pull a weed!'

Mr Buckley said: "Every weed pulled does help the volunteers and during the summer period rather than throw away a bowl of water please put it around the flowers when you are passing by."

Anyone interested in becoming a garden volunteer should contact the council office at North Weald Library on 0345 603 7628.