WOODFORD teenagers, who say their lives have been changed by a young persons' charity, are calling on the community to vote it to victory in a national competition.

Whether a young parent, pregnant or just a bit lost in life, the Young People's Project (YPP), based in Oaklands Park Avenue, Ilford, boasts dozens of success stories from across the borough.

Making it through to the semi-finals of the National Lottery Awards, the team are now appealing for your vote in the annual search to find the UK's favourite Lottery funded projects.

The YPP's Healthy Lifestyles scheme, which among other things trains teenagers to tour schools running their own sex and relationship workshops, is competing against nine other groups in the Best Education category for a chance to win a £2,000 prize.

Natalie Small, 17, from Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green, first came to the project when she fell pregnant two years ago.

She said: "I went to school in Waltham Forest before coming to Woodford Green and the YPP has enabled me to meet other young parents in the area.

"I've done anti-natal and 'Me and my Baby' classes here, and they also have midwives who are specially trained to work with teenagers.

"It's transforming young people's lives and you don't just have to be a young parent - it's for everyone."

Chennelle Floyd, 17, from Fairfield Road, Woodford Green, added: "I'm here to re-sit my GCSEs as I really didn't enjoy school and hardly ever attended.

"People are really friendly and helpful here though and they treat me like an adult, unlike my old teachers.

"They definitely deserve the award."

If they win, YPP will spend the cash on improving their nursery facilities.

Youth worker Keely Rampling, 19, said: "It's not just about the money as we also want to raise our profile.

"If more young people know about us we can help more, whether they're having trouble at school, pregnant or new parents.

"We are proud of so many changes and of the young people’s commitment to progress."

To vote for the YPP visit: lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards or call: 0844 686 8465.

You can learn more about the group at: youngpeoplesproject.com or :youtube.com/user/youngpeoplesproject1