A volunteering scheme in Tower Hamlets, that sees people being paid a voucher for each hour of time they donate, has received a boost with a charity donation.

Residents of the Look Ahead housing association have been earning time credits known since July, in return for various activities, such as organising community events or contributing to tenants’ meetings.

Spice Innovations, a social enterprise and charity, developed a currency of time credits known as “Spice Pounds”, which can be spent at local leisure centres, libraries, and cinemas.

The scheme recently received a grant of �164,500 from the City of London Corporation’s charity, the City Bridge Trust.

The charity’s chairman, Billy Dove MBE, said: “This initiative is introducing a completely new group of people to volunteering who would not have previously considered it. Volunteers are the life blood of our communities and time credits are a brilliant way to reward their efforts.”