Hackney youngsters celebrated the opening of a new community café last week which was built as a result of funds raised following the London riots.

The Red Route café, located at the CSV Springboard Hackney learning centre on Lower Clapton road, was launched with the aim of equipping 16 to 25 year-olds with the skills and experience to find work.

The idea for the social enterprise was born the day after riots devastated the capital two years ago.

The Lockwood Charitable Foundation met with Lord Levy, president of the volunteer and learning charity CSV, to offer to fund the project and the Hackney-born Levy paid his gratitude for the “extraordinarily generous donation”.

“Richard Lockwood visited the Hackney Springboard on the day after the riots and instantly recognised the amazing potential of the Centre and made a strong commitment there and then to help enhance the learning environment for the young people here, and not just financially but with his remarkable energy and wisdom too.

“The launch of the café is demonstrative of how CSV is investing in young people in a borough which has seen its fair share of problems.”

Hackney Council’s cabinet member for regeneration said the new café would offer an invaluable service to Hackney’s youth.

“Initiatives such as The Red Route Cafe play a vital role in our communities,” he said. “They ensure our young people can easily access the support and encouragement they need to help equip them with skills and confidence for future training and employment.”