The East Finchley cemetery, in north London has beaten off the competition from across the country to scoop the coveted "Cemetery of the Year" award. The cemetery was particularly commended for its immaculate appearance, with finalists judged on a wide range of criteria, from design and maintenance, environmental sustainability through to facilities on offer for the bereaved.

Cemeteries are an important local resource in areas where no other open space exists and they also provide a wealth of historical, social and ecological information. East Finchley is a great example of this,  shown also by the national Green Flag Award it earned earlier this year.

The prestigious Green Flags are only bestowed on parks and open spaces considered outstanding by the Civic Trust. A record eight green places in Westminster were awarded - despite being one of the most densely populated areas of the country. In 2008 Westminster will be entering no less than thirteen sites for Green Flag awards as London prepares to host the Olympics in 2012.