St Stephen's Church in Cold Norton has come second in a countywide best kept churchyard competition.

 The Rural Community Council of Essex crowned St Nicholas Churchyard in Kelvedon Hatch the winner, with St Stephen's second, followed by St Andrew's in Wormingford, "both of which impressed the judges".

A Highly Commended Certificate was awarded to St Mary and St Christopher at Panfield.

The RCCE states online: "All of our winners have made special efforts to encourage wildlife into their churchyards, have good management plans and demonstrate involvement of local people in caring for the churchyards."