Faces of east London star in new Olympics exhibition

An exhibition documenting the impact on east Londoners of the 2012 Olympics opens in Bethnal Green tomorrow.

The collection of 65 photographs which show how the Games have changed and influenced local communities are to be exhibited at Four Corners gallery.

It includes portraits of Olympics volunteers from the area, people working for the Green Legacy in the Lee Valley, commuters, swimming club members, coffee shop baristas, landlords renting out their rooms, locals on Hackney Marshes and allotment owners.

Click here or on "View Gallery" for a picture preview

The portraits are by students at the University of East London made as part of a twelve-week project in the build-up to the Games, called BT Road to 2012: Facing East - a partnership with the National Portrait Gallery.

Students were supported by the London gallery staff in curating the show and received help and advice from high profile photographers who have been commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery for its exhibition, Aiming High, including Anderson & Low, Jillian Edelstein and Brian Griffin.

"The [students'] documentary portraiture provides a thought-provoking insight into local communities during the build up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and adds texture and vibrancy to the overall BT Road to 2012 project," said Liz Smith, Director of Participation and Learning, National Portrait Gallery.

The project is part of the London 2012 Festival.

From 9 August, Four Corners, 121 Roman Road E2 0QN, Admission Free