THE Cray areas of Orpington are to get £50,000 in a bid to boost health.

Classed by Bromley Health Authority as among the most deprived areas of the borough, the Crays have won cash from King Edward's Fund which encourages local initiatives to beat health inequalities across London.

A joint project between Bromley Health Authority and the council, the Community Arts Project aims to get people from St Paul's and St Mary Cray working together to improve their own lives. Council environment officer Gill Cleg said: "We want to create a forum to encourage creativity and provide an exciting meeting place where people can say how they really want to see their area develop.

"We are looking at quality of life and preventing ill health by making people's environment more pleasant and stimulating."

"It aims to help people explore their own ideas. One idea is to set up story-telling days which will bring young and old together. It provides a great forum for the travellers living here to join in too. Drama helps people put across their ideas very effectively. It's about building a community structure."

Bromley Health's Helen Naylor said developing a community spirit will make people healthier.

Organisers are looking for a co-ordinator, preferably from the Cray area. If you would like to apply for the post, or have ideas for the project, call 0181 3134657.

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