A brand new multi-purpose community centre will be built in Leytonstone after a charity successfully fought off competition for a cash boost.

Ellingham Employment Services has been training, teaching and finding jobs for disabled people of all ages in Waltham Forest and Redbridge since 1984.

Now, the group based in Ellingham Road will be able to expand their work, after being awarded £703,433 from the Big Lottery Fund.

The cash is going towards paying for a new centre.

Chief Executive Mark Kirk said: “We are both delighted and relieved to have received this award, which ensures Ellingham will continue enabling people with learning disabilities to lead more fulfilled lives, access day opportunities and inclusive activities all from a brand new state of the art facility.  

“We were desperately in need of a new facility, suitable to provide the quality services that our clients across the region want and deserve.   

“The team has worked tirelessly for two years to secure this award and it’s now a reality and we thank the Big Lottery for recognising the importance of empowering people with learning disabilities.”

Ellingham will house their “I Can Ventures” community enterprise initiative, in the new centre.

The programme helps to find work for service users.

The new facility will also be used to expand the growing day opportunities services on offer for people with learning disabilities, including accredited training and supported employment.

This was the largest amount of money awarded by the Big Lottery award in the whole of London during the current round of funding.

A location for the centre is yet to be revealed.