A cafe offering life-changing training to people with disabilities has hailed a fundraising drive to save it as a “success”.

Not-for-profit Cherry Tree Cafe, in Woodbine Place, Wanstead, employs staff with a range of conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Autism and Asperger’s syndrome.

It gives them the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace and increase prospects for employment. 

Back in October, manager Kerry Barone said she was worried the cafe could be forced to close down if business does not improve.

She said the cafe's position tucked back away from the high street meant that people used cafes such as Starbucks and Costa instead.

A fundraising drive was launched with a monthly market held once a month, which had stalls selling books, jewellery and plants among other donated items.

Ms Barone said the fundraising drive over the past four months had and business had improved as a result.

She said: “The markets have been a great success and we could not have done it without people donating, everyone has been so kind.

“There is a real community spirit and it has raised our profile in the area, it gets very busy now and we are hoping this will continue in the future.”

The cafe baked cakes for Redbridge council’s Local Forum in Wanstead Library last Wednesday and leader Cllr Jas Athwal was full of praise.

He said: “Cherry Tree Cafe provides an excellent service to the community and it is so important that people with disabilities get opportunities like this.

“We need to continue giving this community project all the support we can and I wish them all the best in the future.”

The next mini market will be held at the cafe this Sunday from 11am to 3pm.