A WIND farm is awarding grants for community groups in Southminster and Burnham.

The Turncole Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund are inviting residents to apply for grants to support projects and activities.

Established in 2016 as part of a long-term wind farm development programme in the area, the fund has awarded grants totalling £92,887.

The Essex Community Foundation is managing the fund and a panel, made up of residents, works with them to consider applications and award grants.

The deadline date for applications is August 31.

A grant was recently awarded to the Marine Education and Research Institute, an organisation that teaches young people about marine science and conservation by exploring the coastline along St Lawrence Bay and Bradwell.

The group received £1,300 to help convert a bus into a mobile science laboratory, including a sensory area for children with autism.

Those who take part in the weekend courses study marine life and collect plankton as well as learning how to use scientific equipment and identify specific animals and wildlife.

For details and to apply, visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call 01245 356018.