Former triple jump ace Jonathan Edwards opened a new riverside walkway and cycle route connecting Stratford and Bromley-by-Bow.

The �2.4m project, which follows the Lee Navigation, provides an uninterrupted 28-mile route from Hertfordshire to the heart of east London.

Walking groups, cyclists and Jim Fitzpatrick, MP for Limehouse and Poplar, joined the ex-Olympic gold medallist and World Champion.

The path has been installed under the A11 junction at Stratford High Street and a bridge across the navigation.

Funding came from the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation with support from the Olympic Delivery Authority, Transport for London, the London Development Agency and Walk London. It was delivered by British Waterways.

Mr Edwards said: “This project exemplifies the opening up of our untapped waterside routes and I am delighted to be officially opening the path for locals and visitors to enjoy.”

To celebrate, British Waterways has organised two free guided walks around the site and the River Lee Navigation on Saturday.