A Tooting school which provides a vital life-line for low income families must find a new home by the New Year after being kicked out of the Tooting Islamic Centre (TIC).

The South London Supplementary School, based at the centre in Lessingham Avenue, Tooting, have been told they must find alternative premises within the next few months.

The reason for the school's expulsion was not made clear to its committee members but allegations of "untidyness and mess" have been levelled against it recently.

Six years ago, when the school moved into the building, an agreement was struck between the school's bosses and TIC to allow them to use its facilities after hours.

But with no formal agreement to fall back on the the school has been left in a precarious position.

Sonya Khan, a committee member, believes the school might have to close if it can't find another home.

She said: "It is a real shame as the kids and their parents depend on it. We'd like to find out exactly why we are being asked to leave?

"I'm part of the committee yet I still don't really understand why we are being asked to leave - they have been very vague.

"There are a lot of parents who are on income support so they cannot afford private tuition.

"Should we not be able to find a new home, we are faced with the prospect of closure which would be a disaster."

Low-income families rely on the school as it provides vital additional tuition for local children ranging from five-years-old up to GCSE and A-Level.

The school has begun looking in Tooting but has yet to find a suitable location.

Tooting Islamic Centre were contacted for a comment but were not able to provide one before publication.