The country's only local authority-run drama centre is holding a party to celebrate its 45th anniversary.

Redbridge Drama Centre in Churchfields, South Woodford, will be marking the milestone birthday at Churchfields in South Woodford on November 8 from 7.30pm onwards. 

Founded in 1969 by drama teacher Hugh Lovegrove, the centre has helped children and young people across the borough to develop their performance skills and boost their potential through workshops and plays. 

In its early days, the centre was mainly a base for teachers courses, evening workshops with students and a place for working with school groups but it quickly developed into a fringe theatre venue how it is now known today. 

A short film celebrating the group's heritage will be shown on the night and then followed by a food-style buffet and dancing. 

The event will be attended by Redbridge Council's deputy mayor cllr Linda Huggett and deputy leader cllr Wes Streeting.