Over the past year, local young people have played a key role in collecting and creating content for the exhibition

Fans at Leyton Orient’s home game with Sutton United on Saturday, September 29 had the opportunity to view the 80 Years in Leyton exhibition.

A collection of stories, memories and photographs, the exhibition details changes in Leyton since the O’s moved to its current home from Clapton in 1937.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Sally Littlejohn, and Rhodene Cunningham, Niece of Orient legend, Laurie Cunningham, were special guests on the day.

Over the past year, local young people have played a key role in collecting and creating content for the exhibition.

Leyton Orient Trust College Study Programme students were trained in research and filming techniques to interview local residents about their memories and students from Willowfield School, Walthamstow, created artwork to represent key moments in Orient’s history in Leyton.

This launch event included a special half-time performance by 28 11-15 year-old local dancers and singers from X7eaven, celebrating the life of O’s legend Cunningham.

Students from Willowfield School were also on hand to present their artwork produced as part of the project.

Neil Taylor, Chief Executive at Leyton Orient Trust, said: “We were absolutely delighted to present the research undertaken by our young participants.

“It has been a special project for us bringing together and we have really enjoyed developing it. We hope that the resources produced will be of benefit and give an insight into why Orient is important to so many people in the local community.”

Debbie Chapman-Andrews, Assistant Headteacher at Willowfield School, added: “We are privileged to have been involved with the 80 Years in Leyton Project at Willowfield.

“Students worked with the Trust over a number of weeks to produce the artworks that explore the history of the Club. It is fantastic to see their work on display.”

80 Years in Leyton is a project led by Leyton Orient Trust with Eastside Community Heritage, made possible with funding from Heritage Lottery Fund.

Find out more about 80 Years in Leyton at www.orientinleyton.com