IN the same week an award-winning youth magazine is up for a Spirit of London Award comes the news Haringey Council is pulling its funding.

Exposure Magazine, based at Muswell Hill Youth Centre, was named the best media venture for young people in the country two years in a row by the Media Trust.

The organisation has been heavily praised for its work giving a platform for young people — many of whom are in care, youth offenders, have learning difficulties or come from disadvantaged backgrounds — to express themselves.

Its success has led it to be nominated for a prestigious Spirit of London Award held on November 27.

But now in the face of a severe cut to the council's budget, Haringey Youth Service has given notice that it can no longer help to fund the charity.

Their contribution helps to cover vital costs and the magazine's editor, Gary Flavell, described the loss of funding as a "serious blow".

Mr Flavell said: "With all the cuts to youth provision in Haringey, many young people have expressed concern about the future of Exposure, the borough's multi-award winning youth media charity. In the circumstances, Exposure’s board considers it appropriate to clarify the position.

"Exposure recently received notice from Haringey Youth Service of its intention to cease funding support to the charity. Whilst fully appreciating the need for cuts, Exposure’s board is naturally disappointed."

He added: "Nonetheless, we are working hard to find a way through these difficult times. The board wishes to offer reassurances that all necessary steps are being taken to secure the charity’s interests. There will have to be a change of direction but no lowering of standards."

Exposure is currently published six times a year and tackles emotive and complicated issues such as self-harm, sexual abuse and gang violence.