A YOUTH charity has been presented with a grant at an award ceremony.

Braintree Youth Project Charity was among 22 Essex-based charities and voluntary organisations to receive a grant at Essex County Council’s Millennium and Chairman’s Fund Awards.

The charity was awarded £3,000 from a pot of £62,365 at a ceremony in the Essex Record Office, hosted by councillor and chairman of Essex county council, John Aldridge.

At the presentation, Mr Aldridge commended the contribution these organisations make across the county.

He said: “It is a privilege to be in the position where I can learn about the Essex voluntary sector and I can honestly say that my time spent visiting groups has been heart-warming.

“I have been most encouraged to see local people coming together with a common aim of making their own community spaces a better place to live and work for all”.

The Essex Millennium Fund was established as an endowed fund within ECF by members of Essex County Council to celebrate the Millennium.

The fund distributes money to voluntary and community groups working within four priority areas — carers, community support, enhancing the environment and young people.

The Chairman’s Fund was established with ECF in 2007 to support voluntary and community groups.

For information about how to apply for a grant visit essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk or call 01245 356018.