A North Woolwich charity that coaches young people from disadvantaged backgrounds was awarded a �140,000 grant to carry on its work.

Fight for Peace, based in Woodman Street, won �140,254 from the City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust, to give more youngsters the chance to learn martial arts and boxing at the gym.

In the last five years, Fight for Peace has worked with over 2,500 young people in east London referred to them from local schools, youth offending teams, and pupil referral units.

Billy Dove, chairman of City Bridge Trust, said: “Fight for Peace is working with some of the hardest to reach young people in one of London’s poorest areas.

“The charity offers them a warm and safe environment and a place where they quite literally can turn their lives around and begin to fulfil their potential.”