A POPULAR South Woodford park has been named as one of the "best green spaces in the country".

Elmhurst Gardens, off Gordon Road, has been awarded 'green flag status' by the Keep Britain Tidy group for its "excellent" facilities and topography.

A report by the group said: "It is a well designed urban park with good transport links.

"It is visited by local schools for educational and recreational activities. The park has two tennis courts which are well used and one established bowling green with its own bowling pavilion.

"It serves a wide audience as well as the local community. The topography is still very evident despite the transport infrastructure such as the north circular road being constructed through it."

Hainault Forest Country Park also received the award in Redbridge.