The campaign by the London Evening Standard to raise money to fight poverty in the capital has continued to go from strength to strength.

As reported last month, the newspaper’s fund-raising bid reached its original £1m target within weeks of being launched.

However the cash has continued to roll in, and the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund is now heading towards the £5m mark.

The money raised is being matched by the government and will be distributed by the Community Foundation Network to hundreds of charities working to help those in poverty.

Evening Standard editor Geordie Greig said: “Raising £4.5m for the Dispossessed Fund for the poorest people of London reflects the staggering generosity of Londoners. This is a significant day for the Evening Standard breaking all records for a newspaper charity appeal unconnected to wars or natural disasters.

“It has been very moving to see schoolchildren, pensioners, tycoons, sports stars and thousands of Standard readers unite to send a positive message about their desire to help those less fortunate to have a chance to better their lives. Everyone on the paper has been moved by the unprecedented kindness of so many Londoners.”

Prime Minister David Cameron added: “This is fantastic news and far exceeds the original target that the Evening Standard set for itself and its readers. For our part, the Government is proud to have matched the donations given by readers, knowing that every penny will go towards tackling extreme poverty and creating the kind of society that we all hope for, where people have the means to help themselves and to help others.

“I hope the Fund for the Dispossessed can now go forward to hit the £5m mark and become a permanent feature in our capital city.”