HIGHGATE Newtown community centre – which works with young people in Camden at risk of offending – has been awarded more than £150,000 by London Mayor Boris Johnson. The funding aims to increase the number of young people in education, employment or train

HIGHGATE Newtown community centre - which works with young people in Camden at risk of offending - has been awarded more than £150,000 by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The funding aims to increase the number of young people in education, employment or training and to help reduce the number of first-time offenders.

Nick Hoxan, from the centre, said: "We are overjoyed to hear the news that the Young Londoners Fund has agreed to fund its Phiz and Biz project.

"The grant ensures that the very young people who most need support, those who are most at risk of both rejecting and being discarded by society, will have their own service to help them become not only healthier but better equipped for making their way successfully into the adult world.

"Phiz and Biz is a gym project that trains minds, not just bodies, and one voted for by young people themselves."

Mr Johnson said: "The Young Londoners Fund is a fantastic opportunity to support organisations as they work with young people who have, for a huge variety of reasons, fallen off the educational radar.