A GROUP of photographers have been commissioned to chronicle 50 of the borough's sports clubs in the run-up to the Olympics - in what has been described as the most ambitious project of its kind.

The Image17 collective, which is made up of 14 professional snappers, plans to spend the next year producing more than 1,000 images for Waltham Forest Council showcasing grassroots sports, including everything from boxing clubs to church hall badminton games.

Work has already begun on the 'Taking Part' project, and a preview featuring images already taken has gone on display as part of this week's E17 Art Trail.

Image17's Nicola Tree, who approached the council with the idea, said part of the aim is to show how sport unites communities.

She added: “It is the first time since 1948 [that the Olympics have been held in London] and Waltham Forest cannot and must not miss the opportunity to be involved and celebrate the games as well as the sport within our community.

"Image17 will document, celebrate and exhibit the wide variety played in our borough.”

Photographs taken during the project will go on display at a variety of venues across the borough in the next year.

The preview is being held at Chestnuts House, 398 Hoe Street, Walthamstow. The exhibit is open between midday and 6pm today (Sunday) and between 5pm and 8pm on Thursday and Friday (September 8 and 9). It will also be open from 10am until 6pm on Saturday (September 10) and 12pm to 6pm next Sunday (September 11).

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