A host of parks and open spaces are set to benefit from more than £40,000 worth of improvement thanks to funding from the Mayor of London.

Sadiq Khan has awarded Harrow the money as part of the Greener City Fund for Tree Planting.

It means that 270 new trees from more than 40 species will be planted across many of the borough’s parks in a move which is sure to make them even more attractive.

The trees will spring up in Alexandra Park, Roxeth Recreation Ground, Kenton Recreation Ground, Chandos Recreation Ground, Pinner Village Gardens, Whitefriars Open Space, The Grove Open Space, Centenary Park, Queensbury Recreation Ground, Headstone Manor and Stanmore Marsh.

Cllr Graham Henson, responsible for the environment at Harrow Council, said: “Christmas has come early for Harrow. It might not be 270 Christmas trees, but this much welcomed funding means these extra trees will breathe new life into our parks.

“Our parks are a major community asset – loved and enjoyed by residents. This additional investment will improve and bring more health benefits as well as make our parks greener, attractive, and more accessible for everyone.

“I look forward to seeing the first trees grow and bloom as we build a better Harrow together.”

As well as making the parks more attractive, the council hopes the new trees will help encourage healthy living as people take up running, walking and cycling.

It also noted that the tree planting will improve the air quality of the parks, lower noise pollution and reduce the risk of flooding.

The first trees are expected to be planted in early January next year, with the project expected to be completed by March.