A CHARITY helping those with learning difficulties flew the flag for Harrow at the National Lottery's prestigious awards ceremony on November 6.

Community Link Up, based in Dawlish Drive, Pinner enjoyed the red-carpet treatment at the Helping Hand Awards, organised to celebrate the tenth birthday of the lottery at the Tate Modern, in Southwark.

The awards, to honour charities and community groups making best use of lottery grants, were dubbed the "charity oscars".

Community Link Up was chosen after the staggering success of its Inclusions Project, run by David Gawn. Despite being born with cerebral palsy, David, of Lankers Drive, North Harrow, dedicates his life to improving the lot of those with disabilities.

Members of the charity, who have helped more than 250 people with learning difficulties, hob-nobbed with a host of top stars including boxer Amir Khan, Cilla Black, Duncan James from boyband Blue and pop group Liberty X.

Spokeswoman Ranu Mehta-Radia, pictured with teenage boxing sensation and Olympic silver medalist Amir, said: "I would like to thank all the people who rang in to nominate David as Harrow's charity idol. We also want to thank the Harrow Times for all the support we received during the campaign."

Link Up needs volunteers to support people with learning disabilities, help run clubs and organise activities. For more information call 020 8868 5808.