A £150 million expansion of a north Essex reservoir has landed an eco award.

Essex & Suffolk Water’s £150 million Abberton Reservoir Scheme has been awarded a Green Apple Environment Award for being environmentally-friendly.

The project, which will see the site expanded by 60 per cent and secure water supplies for 1.5 million people, won praise for minimising its impact on residents living nearby.

The expansion also offers further protection for the host of wildlife found in and around the reservoir.