More than 6,000 virtually unseen images of Barking and Dagenham are set to become available online for the first time thanks to a £65k grant.

The pictures – captured by former borough photographer Egbert E Smart – will be part of a vast photo project marking the 50th anniversary of Barking and Dagenham, after securing cash from the Heritage London Fund.

Other highlights will include a community initiative inviting budding snappers from each of the 11 council estates to take pictures that will then be matched with archive pictures taken in 1965.

The project will create opportunities for two dozen local volunteers whose tasks will include creating prints for an online exhibition and a publication for schools.

A community exhibition is also planned.

It will take place on August 29 and a touring exhibition will visit the borough’s housing estates.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, leader of the council and cabinet member for heritage, said: “I love it when projects such as this help us reach a wider audience while telling our story and therefore encouraging civic pride.”

Visit lbbd.gov.uk for more about the 50th anniversary celebrations