A Heybridge firm’s milestone birthday was made even sweeter by a £10,000 EU grant.

Blackman and White, on The Street Industrial Estate, is the latest company to receive a grant from EU project, Low Carbon Business.

The firm designs and builds cutting machines for companies across Europe and is this year celebrating its 50th birthday.

As part of an expansion project that will allow the firm to open up services to further afield in Europe, Africa, America and the Middle East, Blackman and White has bought a new vertical machining centre.

Low Carbon Business was able to assist with £9,753 towards the cost of the machining centre, which will increase the business’ capacity.

The Low Carbon Business grants scheme has been active in the Maldon and surrounding areas since January 2014 for small and medium size firms.