A BRIDGE at Heale Gardens in the Woodford Valley has been named as one of the top 12 perfect bridges to play Poohsticks.

The list compiled by VisitEngland includes bridges from all over the country, from Cornwall to Cumbria, which have been rated against a strict set of Poohsticks criteria.

It was commissioned to celebrate the release of a new book featuring Winnie-the-Pooh and friends which reveals the secrets to finding the ‘perfect Poohstick’ according to a leading scientist.

According to Dr Rhys Morgan, Director of Engineering and Education at the Royal Academy of Engineering, the main variables that need to be considered when designing the perfect Poohstick include cross sectional area, density and the ‘drag coefficient’.

Rebecca Lowe from VisitEngland said: “Poohsticks is a timeless game. From its first mention in A.A. Milne’s 1928 classic, The House at Pooh Corner, to today, it remains a great way for families to spend time together and enjoy England’s great outdoors.

"Our recommendations of top Poohsticks bridges are just some of the great spots to enjoy the game across the country, and will hopefully encourage families to get out and engage in some friendly competition over the Bank Holiday weekend.”

The Poohsticks Handbook: A Poohstickopedia has been written by comedy writer Mark Evans and illustrated by Mark Burgess.

The original Poohsticks Bridge is in Ashdown Forest, East Sussex.