THE Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park, between Southend and Rochford, is set to more than double in size, making a total of 230 acres including an area of ancient woodland.

For the past eight years, Rochford District Council has been developing the former Blatches Farm which is behind the Western Approaches estate in Eastwood, making it a green lung between Rochford and Southend.

The first stage of the park was opened by the Princess Royal, when she visited Southend in 2004.

big>FULL REPORT IN TUESDAY'S ECHO