A Willesden-based sporting charity has received a £1,000 donation to help it stage a Winter athletics competition working with young disadvantaged people.

Track Academy received the donation from Persimmon Homes North London through the regional housebuilder’s monthly Community Champions scheme. Each month, the regional business donates up to £2,000 to community groups.

The charity, which was founded by Connie Henry in 2007, uses sport to support social mobility. Spokesperson Tsimang Ekango said: “We use athletics as a hook to engage young people at risk, providing inspiration, role models and a structured pathway for them to gain better academic qualifications and positive achievements on and off the track.”

Each year, the charity stages an annual Invitational athletics competition at Willesden Sports Centre, attracting role models such as the Mayor of Brent, British track and field athlete Christine Ohuruogu, MBE, and Olympic Gold medallist Daley Thompson CBE.

The 2018 Summer Invitational attracted more than 250 spectators, as well as 110 competitors from the local area and abroad.

Now the charity wants to host another Invitational event, with the £1,000 donation going towards timing equipment, which the charity currently rents, and starting blocks.

Tsimang added: “We are very grateful to Persimmon Homes North London for their support. Times in our races are recorded on a national athlete performance database which gives our people an incentive to perform to the best of their ability.”

Damian Seddon, director-in-charge at Persimmon Homes North London, said: “We are delighted that we can support the Track Academy in this way, as they clearly provide an invaluable service to the local youngsters.”

To nominate and to find out about the terms and conditions people can visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity