The final was a culmination of week-long competitions that were held at sports venues throughout the borough.

The winner of the adults' competition was a team from Plaistow who beat Forest Gate 9-8, while in the junior challenge East Ham's team won 6-4 against Canning Town.

Executive member for culture, Councillor Jo Corbett, and Councillors Pat Holland and Lakmini Shah attended the final to present the winners with fantastic prizes, including free membership to local sports clubs, coaching sessions, tickets to major events and memorabilia.

Councillor Jo Corbett said: "I was very impressed with the turnout for this relatively new sport in Newham. It was great to see so many members of our community coming together through sport."

The forum competitions have sparked a lot of interest in the fast-paced game and as a result the council's sports development team will be starting handball training sessions for adults. For more information contact Nicole Napier on 07970 783 526 or email nicole.napier@newham.gov.uk

Young Mayor Zuhayb Ahmed cheered on players in the junior competition and said: "Handball is a very exciting sport. I've seen a real enthusiasm for the game which I'm sure will continue with these new training sessions."

The handball challenge was the fifth in a series of community forum sports competitions and part of the LIVE LIFE campaign, which aims to get people active.

There are nine community forums in Newham working to make each local area a safer, healthier and more interesting place to live.

For more information about community forums freephone 0800 519 4015 or email community.forums@newham.gov.uk