A SPECIALIST crisis centre for victims of rape is set to be created in Redbridge.

The £370,000 facility is one of three planned to be opened across London during the next year, with funding provided by mayor Boris Johnson.

The move is part of Mr Johnson's pledge to quadruple rape crisis services in the capital - which currently has just one specialist centre, in Croydon.

The first of the new facilities is set to open in Ealing within the next few months with the Redbridge centre expected to be completed later in 2010.

Councillor Keith Prince, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: "Redbridge is proud to be leading a partnership of the GLA and Neighbouring East London Councils in the provision of a new Crisis Centre that will support the victims of rape and sexual abuse."