AN MP has spoken in support of our island gardens after new figures revealed Canvey has some of the best in the country.

Rebecca Harris, Tory MP for Castle Point, said she agrees the island now sits above Kent which is often dubbed the garden of England.

It comes after the Daily Mail reported Canvey homes have the largest average garden size in England and Wales, according to figures exclusively collated for The Mail on Sunday by Ordnance Survey.

Mrs Harris said: “From all of the lovely garden walks, horticultural shows and charity events in people’s back gardens I get invited to, I can’t say I am surprised.

“Lets hope we get a nice long summer to enjoy them in.”

Ray Howard MBE, former veteran councillor for the island said this is fantastic.

He said: “We have a lot of garden-minded people on the island.

“As I now have more time on my hands, I am spending more time gardening, and I have a large garden.

“I saw the article by the Daily Mail and I can fully understand how they came to their conclusions.

“I am also pleased to see Rebecca speaking out about this too.

“We do have some fantastic gardens on Canvey.”

He added: “There is a large percentage of homes on the island with big gardens and people certainly pay a lot of attention to their gardens.

“I am over the moon about the news and think once again Canvey has come out on top and the amazing community we have here has been recognised.”

Residents said they are also delighted at the news.

Jerry Thomas, 55, of Long Road, Canvey said: “Well it’s about time too, we have amazing gardens and the town council garden trial is testimony to that fact.

“It is so nice to see all our hard work and interest pays off in so many ways.”

Although Canvey’s houses are often relatively small, with lots of bungalows and chalets, the gardens are enviably spacious, according to the Mail.

Jill Shrubb, 73, told the Mail: “There are lots of big gardens round here.

“I’m out in mine every day but don’t ask me how big it is because I don’t know.”