New ways of protecting green spaces in East London have been unveiled by the government.

Minister for London Keith Hill unveiled a new blueprint for creating and protecting green open spaces in the Thames Gateway.

The new strategy is aimed at integrating public parks and nature reserves into the massive regeneration of a former industrial area left largely forgotten by developers and the government.

Hill revealed on Wednesday plans for a network of urban parks, woodland, meadows, wetlands and farming countryside.

The minister also pledged to safeguard the internationally important site of scientific interest at Rainham Marshes.

He also claimed that the government is trying to avoid the suburban sprawl and unloved concrete estates of the 1960s and 70s.

"Our plan to create sustainable communities where people want to live will take much more than bricks and mortar," said Hill.

"It's also about maintaining and enhancing the greenspace that plays such an important role in our quality of life.

"We want the Thames Gateway to become a world-class model of sustainable development, with the living landscape at its heart.

"The new network of green space will be vital in shaping the sustainable regeneration of existing and new communities in the Gateway."