Green spaces across Lee Valley Regional Park have been given top honours at the annual London in Bloom awards.

In total, five areas of the park were given gold awards during a ceremony at The Arts Pavilion in Mile End last Friday (September 22).

Open spaces recognised included Walthamstow Marshes, Waterworks Centre Nature Reserve in Leyton and Gunpowder Park in Waltham Abbey.

In addition, Walthamstow Marshes was also handed the “Large Conservation Area of the Year” award by judges.

Shaun Dawson, chief executive of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, said: “We’re delighted to have won five, gold London in Bloom Awards and really thrilled that three of these also won their categories.

“Both Lee Valley Regional Park and London in Bloom are celebrating their 50th anniversaries this year – and it is fitting that this year has been our best ever at the awards.

“50 years ago, much of the Lee Valley was neglected and forlorn, scared by industry. Since then we have been transforming the valley, creating wonderful parklands and places for people to enjoy.

“The awards are a tribute to those who first created the park and the many staff and volunteers who work so hard to bring their vision to life.”

Lee Valley Regional Park stretches 26 miles along the River Lee through east London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

It is run by the non-profit Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, which was set up in in 1966 to regenerate the area, which was mainly abandoned industrial land at the time.