Hundreds of volunteers have been honoured after racking up 61,414 hours of volunteering in the forest between them.

City of London Corporation, which owns Epping Forest, celebrated the achievements of the 242 volunteers who have helped manage the ancient woodland since 2010.

The hours clocked up since 2010 are the equivalent to 8,773 days of work or 1,253 full working weeks.

Two volunteers received gold awards for their dedication.

Luke O'Keefe has volunteered over 600 hours in just one year while helping out alongside keepers at Chingford Golf Course.

And veteran volunteer, Stan Shepherd, 92, was given a special mention at the ceremony in Butler's Retreat, Rangers Road, Chingford.

He is an expert in Tudor timber framing and period-structure.

Alderman Gordon Haines, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest Committee, said: "Volunteers make an exceptional contribution to the care and management of Epping Forest. They help shape the Forest’s future and have always played a major role in its past.

“The team enables us to greatly improve the experience for visitors to Epping Forest."