More than £250,000 of National Lottery funding has been awarded to 17 community projects in Newham.

Organisations range from a scheme to grow local business start-ups to a walking football tournament.

The money, raised by gamblers, is being distributed by the Big Lottery Fund, which claims to be the UK’s largest funder of “community activity”.

About £100,000 of the funding for the quarter is going to The Green Station, which promises to transform the former North Woolwich Railway Line into a community space.

Working with artists, locals will shape the design plans and run a new community garden and green space on the 8,000-square-metre site.

“This is very welcome news and will make a real difference to people in Newham,” said Diana Ibáñez López, head of capital projects at Create London, who run Green Station.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to bring a huge breadth of activity that will anchor the entire community enterprise along the North Woolwich Railway Line. Reflecting the unique flora of the railway, community gardeners will take an active role in creating and caring for both a new garden and a piece of industrial heritage.”

Organisers estimate 1,500 residents will use the space, part of the North Woolwich Railway Line project, each year once it opens.

Other projects receiving funding include English language and IT sessions for women, tuition for disadvantaged children and young people, and computer lessons to help older residents feel less isolated – each scheme given £10,000.

Almost £8million will be distributed across 305 community projects and organisations across London, according to the Big Lottery Fund.

Their director of England grant-making, James Harcourt, claimed the money was “bringing communities together” and letting people “lead happier and healthier lives”.

“It’s wonderful to see the positive impact projects like The Green Station are making in Newham. They are an inspiration to others, showing what great things can be achieved when people work together to tackle the things that really matter to their community,” he added.

Last year the Fund said it handed out more than £700m across the UK.