A project to combat isolation and loneliness in Deptford by opening a new community cinema space has been given a cash boost.

This is because the National Lottery pledged £15.3 million spread between 407 community projects in London.

The South East London Community Cinema project in Deptford was one of the recipients - receiving a £9,997 grant to fund a community cinema space.

Chris Gaul, ordinand at St Peter’s Church and SE London community cinema coordinator, said: "With the help of the National Lottery Community Fund, we are launching our super low-cost community cinema, where we can create the right conditions for all people to come together to enjoy films and sports, friendship and a community to which they can be known, and get to know others."

It is hoped the cinema, to be installed in St Peter's Brockley in August, will be used by community groups as a relaxed and accessible environment to meet and watch football and films.

The project is striving to increase people’s interactions with neighbours and to improve mental health by reducing isolation.

The Dancing Circus with the Mala Cherga Theatre in Lewisham and Penge was awarded £10,000 and the lottery fund also gave £197,770 for an existing youth centre, JusB, in Bromley and Chislehurst.

Sacha Rose-Smith, head of funding at the National Lottery Community Fund, added: "National Lottery money continues to change the lives of thousands of people across the UK.

"From community-led projects that reduce loneliness and isolation to those supporting young people to overcome modern-day challenges, this quarter’s funding has been awarded to groups with the ideas, knowledge and passion to empower their community to thrive."