A wildlife haven is officially one of the best green spaces in the country after it was awarded green flag status.

Long Lane Pasture, in Finchley, was awarded Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy campaign.

The park, now run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations to keep open, was originally used for hay-making and grazing horses and is now managed on a lease from Barnet Borough Council.

Green Flags, which are awarded by campaign Keep Britain Tidy, are given for reaching a high standard of cleanliness, safety and environmental quality.

Over the years, children who are part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme have helped transform a bramble-covered dump at the pasture into a haven for wildlife.

Dennis Pepper, chairman of the Long Lane Pasture Trust, said: “The achievement is entirely due to the imagination of our hard-working committee and our dedicated volunteers.”