A NUMBER of awards were handed out to the council after their maintenance and protection of playing fields.

Braintree Council walked away with 42 awards at this year’s Essex Playing Field Awards.

The awards, run by Essex Playing Field Association was held recently at the Old Chelmsfordians Cricket Club in Chelmsford.

Essex Playing Fields is a charity that was founded in 1924.

It works to create, preserve, improve, and develop playing fields, areas and playgrounds for the communities around the county.

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Amongst the 42 awards won by the council, 21 were gold, including a winner in the Class 7 category for ‘exceptional work carried out during the year at Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens’.

There were 17 silver awards and 4 certificates of merit won.

Environment Councilor Wendy Schmitt praised the work that went in to keep them at a high standard.

She said: “This is again another great achievement that reflects the high standard and quality of our playing fields and open spaces across the district and also recognises those who work hard to protect and maintain them to benefit our communities.”