A teenager is one of the youngest volunteers in the district giving their free time to help others.

Alice Bown, 14, visits the Dengie Project Trust’s Knightswood Centre in Steeple Road, Southminster, once a week when she can.

She said: “I started volunteering as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Award and enjoyed it so much I carried on.

“The Dengie Project Trust offered help to my stepdad’s mum, Vera Sibley, as she got older and she found it such a great support.

“It was an obvious choice for me to help.”

For opportunities, contact the Volunteer Centre on 01621 851891 or email volunteering@maldoncvs.org.uk.