Three rivers have helped carry a Cumbrian project to national success.

The Cumbria River Restoration Strategy – which focuses on the Eden, Derwent and Kent – has been judged overall winner of the 2016 UK River Prize.

This organisation is run by Natural England, the Environment Agency and three Rivers Trusts (Eden, West Cumbria and South Cumbria) and is tasked with restoring river courses to their natural form.

The aim of this work is to show landowners and Cumbrian communities how work like this can help boost the environment.

It is led on the ground by the trust with Natural England and the Environment Agency giving technical advice.

Martin Janes ( corr) , managing director of the River Restoration Centre, the Bedfordshire based organisation behind the awards, said: “This partnership across Cumbria’s rivers shows the power of local trusts and national agencies working together, to turn a long-term vision for the Rivers Eden, Derwent and Kent into 14 km (8.7 miles) of winding wildlife habitat.

“These rivers are also well known for their energy and ability to convey large volumes in our unpredictable climate. The projects are helping to deliver natural flood management benefits by working with the river in the upstream catchment. More sinuous systems are longer so can store more water, slow the flow, and are better connected to their floodplains,” he added.

“The judging panel was hugely impressed with the scale of work, the achievements and the long term vision for these rivers.”

Representatives from the Cumbrian project were presented with their award last night at a ceremony in Blackpool. They received the Nigel Holmes Trophy, which is named after a well-known river conservation activist, as well as £5,000.

The centre’s partner for this prize was consulting firm Arup.

Mark Fletcher, the company’s global water leader, said: “As a company we are very passionate about innovation and fully support the recognition that this prestigious award gives.

“It is wonderful to see the scope and inspiration of the short-listed projects for this year. All are deserving winners. We look forward to continuing to deliver best practice, both within Arup and in the wider partnerships we forge.”

The project beat competitors from London, Somerset and Speyside in the Scottish Highlands to take the top prize.

For more information on the awards visit www.therrc.co.uk.