​Leading decorating and DIY specialist Leyland SDM has celebrated the launch of its new Hammersmith store by supporting two community organisations in the district.

England football legend Stuart Pearce cut the ribbon on a new store at 137-139 King Street recently.

To mark the opening of Leyland SDM’s 33rdLondon outlet, the business donated £500 of materials to Flora Gardens Primary School and also became an official partner of Hammersmith & Fulham RFC.

Martin Hastings, CEO of Leyland SDM, said: “We’re delighted to offer our support to both the school and the rugby club, both of which play an integral role in the Hammersmith community.

“Being involved in the local areas in which we are based is central to our ethos of corporate responsibility.

“We’re excited to be up and running in Hammersmith and look forward to serving the community in the years to come.”

Moges Woldeamlak, site manager at Flora Gardens, has already spent part of the donation on a new cordless drill to assist with projects around the school.

“We are very grateful to Leyland SDM for their tremendous support,” said Moges. “We have more than 200 pupils so the maintenance of our building is constant.

“It is no secret that funding is challenging for schools at the moment so this donation is very welcome.”

Hammersmith & Fulham RFC have teams operating at men’s, women’s team and junior level. Their men’s senior team currently sit top of the Regional 2 Thames division.

Chris Cuthbertson, club secretary, said: “It’s fantastic to receive the backing of Leyland SDM. We’re a friendly club that offers rugby to hundreds of people in the area. Financial support like this is crucial to our ongoing success.

“The Hammersmith store is great news for everyone in the area. I’m sure it will prove to be hugely popular.”