A HEALTH charity which helps support vulnerable gay people has won a prestigious national award.

ELOP, which is based in Grove Green Road, Walthamstow, picked up the gong for 'Community Group of the Year' at the annual awards of gay rights group Stonewall.

The organisation was praised for its work offering advice, counselling and other support to gay and lesbian people across east London.

ELOP’s chair Sarah Humphreys said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this award, and it is fantastic to have the value and impact of our work recognised in this way by the community."

Teresa Sharpe, its chief executive, added: "While we still have bigots, we still need organisations like ELOP.

"It's not being lesbian or gay that makes people ill - it's the discrimination and the homophobia and the hostility we still have to face.

"While young people are still over-represented in the mental health system for self-harm and suicide, organisations like ELOP must persist.'

ELOP was given a cheque for £5,000 as part of its prize.