Braintree's landscape will continue to change considerably as thousands of more homes, offices and roads are built in the future.

But Braintree and Bocking Civic Society aims to preserve as much of its character, history and beauty as possible.

As an example, it recently opposed an application for a huge B&Q countryside off Millennium Way, which it said would merge Cressing and Braintree.

The society also offers grants of up to £1,000 for projects that meet its aims, such as preserving historical properties, encouraging high standards of architecture and town planning, and educating the public and encouraging them to be interested in the beauty, history and character of the town.

And it has carried out its own restoration projects, or supported them, and placed blue plaques on properties to recognise the Braintree area's famous sons and daughters.

Visit bbcivsoc.org.uk for more information about the society and to apply for one of its grants.