Projects in Hackney have received almost half a million pounds in funding from the BBC Children in Need’s first funding allocations for this year.

The Nia Project which works to provide play therapy to young victims of domestic abuse was awarded £104,387 and a grant of £99,786 went to the Evergreen Play Association to provide disabled children with access to adventure playground activities in the borough and to fund field trips elsewhere.

Other beneficiaries include Friends R Us, Art Services Grants Ltd and Children Ahead.

A further £68,456 has been split between eight other local groups as part of the charity’s small grants scheme.

BBC Children in Need’s life president Sir Terry Wogan commented: “Without the phenomenal fundraising efforts from the public, these grants simply would not be possible, so I hope people across the UK feel incredibly proud of the difference they are making to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people who really do need our help. We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you.”