A four-mile stretch of a river has been awarded a prestigious environmental award.

The River Lee Navigation runs from Hertfordshire before dissecting Chingford and Edmonton and further into London.

The waterway joins eight other open spaces across Lee Valley Regional Park to receive a Green Flag Award for 2017.

The nine sites are among 1,797 UK parks and green spaces to receive the honour.

Now in its third decade, the international award indicates the space has high environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and provides excellent visitor facilities.

Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority said: “We are immensely proud of our new Green Flag Awards for 2017.

“Each flag is a visual reminder of the continued dedication from Lee Valley staff and the local communities that goes into maintaining our beautiful gardens, vibrant open spaces and heritage sites to such a high standard.

Jointly given to the Canal & River Trust, Jon Guest said the charity was “delighted” to receive the award.

The London Waterway Manager added: “The award is a great boost for visitors, signalling the river and country park are high quality public places for people to use and enjoy - a fitting recognition of all the hard work by our staff and volunteers.”

The annual awards are organised by Keep Britain Tidy, an environmental charity which campaigns for the provision of quality parks and green spaces for all.