A bid to get new sports facilities in Seven Kings have been given a boost by �50,000 of funding.

Organisers, schools and Redbridge Council have been gathering funding for the Vicarage Lane play park for five years.

The Olympic Legacy funding from Sport England could be the cash injection needed to finish the project.

Park committee chair Bill Whiston said: “We’ve had help from various agencies to clear the site but because of delays with grants it’s taken much longer than we would have liked.

“We will see if we can get the final funding for something that’s desperately needed in the area.”

Secretary Roger Backhouse said the site is nearly a mile away from the nearest park, leaving nearby families without adequate facilities.

He added: “We’re encouraged by the news and I’m feeling optimistic about it.”

A floodlit muti-use games area, play equipment and an outdoor gym are planned for the disused plot.

The park will share the space between Benton Road and Vicarage Lane with restored allotments.

Nearby schools St Aidan’s Catholic Primary and the Palmer Catholic Academy will be able use the facilities along with local residents.

Ilford South MP Mike Gapes said: “This is excellent news. Congratulations to all those involved in the campaign.

“I am delighted that local children and families in my constituency will benefit from a much needed new community facility and that money from the Olympic legacy budget is being spent in this way.”

The committee is seeking �125,000 to complete the project.

The latest donation was part of the Inspired Facilities Fund for community groups to create and improve sports facilities in their area.

The project has also received donations from the London Marathon Charitable Trust and Redbridge council’s Area 7 committee.

The park is expected to be finished in March.