A demolition company boss is searching for the owners of sporting trophies after the glittering cups, shields and medals were discovered inside a disused community hall about to be flattened by a wrecking ball.

Workers found the long lost stash in Parks Community Centre in Dormer Close, Stratford late last year as they were clearing out the building.

Demolition firm, Randall Contracting, are calling on local ex-sports people and groups to claim them.

Alan Knight, business development manager at Randall, said: “The trophies were in a display cabinet. When we went in there, we highlighted it and boxed them all up.

“It would have been a shame to throw them away.”

He added: “We are trying to find people who were winners or local clubs that would like to take them back.”

Mr Knight said the items included shields and trophies, some dating back to the 1970s.

He said: “I have four boxes of them. The trophies are a mixture of sports and various community achievements.

“There is a ladies darts trophy with winners up to 1987, the last names being M. Lines and M. Thomas.”

The trophies date from when the centre was a thriving community hub but has fallen into disuse since people moved out of the area.

The derelict building has now been demolished as part of Newham Council’s plans to develop the site into family housing.

He said: “The centre was obviously once a real focal point but I guess many people have moved away now.”

Mr Knight said: “We plan to keep them for as long as possible. We, and the council, are only too happy for people for have them back.”

If you think you or your club may have won one of these trophies, call Alan on 0208 709 1870.