Barnet and Harrow Councils have been handed more than £300,000 by the Mayor of London to improve air quality in areas of the two boroughs.

Local authorities from both areas successfully won their bids for the cash, which will be spent on reducing air pollutants and promoting sustainable transport.

Strategies include introducing cycle hire schemes, introducing electric vehicle charge points and cycle stands.

Silver birch and magnolia trees will be planted in North Finchley in a bid to reduce nitrogen dioxide concentrations, while an ‘air quality champion’ will be employed to educate schools and organisations on reducing emissions.