Lee Valley Regional Park has been recognised as boasting some of the most beautiful green space in the UK.

Yesterday, it was announced the area picked up eight prestigious Green Flag awards and three Heritage Flag awards.

The organisers of the awards, Keep Britain Tidy, decided parks and open spaces across Essex and London, owned by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, were worthy of flag status.

Among those recognised were Walthamstow Marshes, Tottenham Marshes, WaterWorks Centre nature reserve in Leyton and Gunpowder Park and Waltham Abbey Gardens in Waltham.

Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield, Rye House Gatehouse in Hoddesdon and Bow Creek Ecology Park in Canning Town were also awarded.

Rye House Gatehouse, Waltham Abbey Gardens and Myddelton House Gardens have also received Green Heritage Flags which are given in recognition of the successful management of sites with historic importance.

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority green space manager, Alex Farris said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the Green Flag Award for these wonderful parks and open spaces.

“Lee Valley Regional Park attracts around six million visits a year and this award recognises and highlights the very highest quality, well-managed green space that visitors can benefit from.

“It also provides national recognition for the hard work and dedication of all our staff and volunteers who have helped to create and maintain these beautiful places for all to enjoy.”

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

For more information about Lee Valley Regional Park and its award winning open spaces go to www.visitleevalley.org.uk