A charity has got off to a good start in its efforts to secure a headquarters for deaf and hearing-impaired children.

East Ham MP Stephen Timms was among those to attend the KE Foundation’s Sign to Shine concert at the East Avenue Hall on March 10.

The event raised around �1,200 through ticket sales alone, with donations, pledges and cash collected in a bucket on the night yet to be counted.

Acts included the dancers Dem Lot and Miss Taken, while guests also enjoyed a performance from the Gospel Seekers and took part in a raffle

Organiser Rebecca Green was overjoyed that the event went smoothly.

She said: “It was more than my expectations, we were just happy to get anything.

“The money is good but we have now got the support of the MP and we have raised awareness of what we do.”

The KE Foundation ultimately wants to raise �300,000 for a permanent home in East Ham, furnishing it with the necessary equipment, including books and a large display screen for children.

There are almost 300 deaf and hearing-impaired children in Newham with no permanent support facilities to go to, according to the charity.

For more information visit www.kefoundation.org.uk or contact 07534 907803.