Cash to tackle isolation this Easter has been given to Rainham’s ‘Royals’ centre by developers to fill a funding gap from Havering Council.

A cheque for £1,000 was presented by Persimmon Homes with the completion of its Knightswood Place development.

The money is for an Easter party get-together for all ages from six months to 93.

“It is unfortunate that the council cannot always support groups financially,” Rainham’s Cllr Matt Stanton said. “But it’s good to see businesses able to help support the community.”

The former youth centre is now working with all ages to improve socialisation and reduce isolation, with 1,000 people now passing through its doors each week.

It runs ‘cooking on a budget’ classes to help families with the cost-of-living and healthy living, as well as art classes and children’s holiday clubs with activities and lunch for youngsters missing out on free school meals during the term break.