WE often talk about taking pride in our towns.

This week our paper has run stories exemplifying how important believing and investing in our area is.

Green-fingered volunteers were celebrating after picking up a third gold Anglia in Bloom award in just three years.

Members of Maldon in Bloom spent hours ensuring our town looked its best for the judges.

Their hard work was rightly rewarded and shows what can be achieved when people love their area.

The volunteers have said this year more of the public engaged with the project.

As a community we should be doing all we can to celebrate and appreciate our towns, villages and coastline.

Our town has drawn lots of people to visit over the years.

Reverend Barry Allen who has joined Maldon Methodist Church travelled more than 9,000 miles from South Africa to his new home.

Despite the big change he has fallen in love with Maldon.

Out town is special, we should remember it