Gants Hill has been recognised for excelling during the evenings and at night, with a “Purple Flag” award.

Town centres are tested on a variety of categories including range of venues, transport, crime, cleanliness and character.

Business owners and stakeholders are due to officially celebrate the “Purple Flag” at Visage, Cranbrook Road, later today.

John Clark, Gants Hill Business Partnership chairman and owner of Faces nightclub, said: “The Purple Flag is recognition that Gants hill has a vibrant, safe, clean and varied night time environment.

“A town team was formed which had representatives from all agencies i.e. police, council, town centre management, business and local councillors.

“This bringing together of local council, police and business to work in harmony is what purple flag is all about.”

He added: “Hopefully purple flag will encourage both new customers and new business to Gants hill.”