Projects to engage isolated young people and protect vulnerable residents against bogus callers are among those to receive money from the Essex High Sheriff.

Sea-Change Projects Ltd, based in Blackwater Marina, Mayland, received £850 to buy a second hand sailing dinghy and buoyancy aids for socially isolated young people from the Maldon area to use.

Maldon Citizens Advice Bureau received £1,000 for advisers to visit clients at home to raise awareness of cold callers and online scammers and give them help.

The money was awarded at the Essex High Sheriffs’ Awards last night, where grants totalling £24,000 and certificates were presented to organisations from across the county.

Action for Family Carers, based in Poulton Close, Maldon, was also named a finalist in the Volunteer Centre Essex Award.