The parents of murdered schoolboy Damilola Taylor have praised the work being done in the area where he was killed.

Richard and Gloria Taylor paid tribute as they were joined by 200 children for the opening of the Damilola Taylor Centre in Peckham, south London.

Formerly known as the Warwick Park Centre, the building was re-dedicated in Damilola's name by Prime Minister Tony Blair last November.

Since then, it has undergone a �500,000 revamp, paid for largely by Lord Harris of Peckham.

'Very proud'

The building is near to where the 10-year-old was stabbed to death 20 months ago.

The new centre offers gyms, football and basketball facilities and DJ workshops.

Richard Taylor told BBC London: "We are very proud that such a thing is coming out of the tragedy.

"We'll use this opportunity to thank those involved in making this a reality."

Bob Skelly, Southwark Council executive member for education, said: "It's such an impressive and modern building which offers so much more than the traditional youth centre.

"It provides exactly the sorts of activities young people have been asking for and is another step in changing people's negative perceptions of the Peckham area."

The centre also includes a memorial plaque for Damilola.

It bears the words written by Damilola: "I will travel far and wide to choose my destiny and remould the world.

"I know it is my destiny to defend the world which I hope to achieve during my lifetime."