Some of Havering’s parks have won top awards at the annual London in Bloom competition.

Havering was competing against other boroughs in London for recognition for the top award for biodiversity for protecting wildlife and nature in its parks.

The judges said the borough’s selling point was the number and variety of nature reserves and consideration for wildlife.

They said: “The scale ranges from a bug box mounted in a tree on a busy roundabout in Romford to the vast and beautiful Rainham Marshes.

“Bedfords Park is clearly well used for both general recreation and school groups. The visitor centre is a great asset for both general recreation and school groups. The visitor centre is a great asset to have and the packed schedule of events shows the dedication of the individuals that work there, along with the demand there is for environmental education.”

In other categories Hornchurch Country Park was awarded gold (outstanding) in the country park of the year award, Lodge Farm Park in Romford was awarded silver gilt (very good) in large park of the year award, while Langtons Gardens was awarded silver (good) in the small park of the year award.

The competition supports and encourages gardening and horticulture throughout London.

Leader of Havering Council Cllr Michael White, said: “Havering has a very large area of green spaces and parkland for a London borough and we are delighted that our efforts to protect wildlife and natural beauty in places like Bedfords Park and Rainham Marshes have been recognised in such an important competition.”

Cllr Andrew Curtin, cabinet member for culture, towns and communities said: “We want to ensure that Havering is the first step for nature back in to the city, rather than the last step of the city in to the countryside.

“I am delighted that the work of the council and friends of parks groups in strengthening nature conservation and biodiversity is being recognised and that we are setting a standard for others to follow.”