CHARITIES are set to cash in thanks to Southend Airport’s community fund.

Rochford-based Peaceful Place, who cater for young people living with dementia, the Neptune children’s ward at Southend Hospital and St John’s Ambulance are all receiving substantial donations.

Les Sawyer, of the airport’s consultative committee, said: “As part of the ongoing commitment to local communities of London Southend Airport and in conjunction with the Airport Consultative Committee (ACC) we are delighted to be able to give each of these three very worthwhile charitable organisations a cheque for £500.”

The funds were generated by the airport’s Section 106 planning agreement with both Rochford District and Southend Borough councils.

As part of the initial planning application, the airport laid down strict noise conditions and fined operators that contravened the rules.

Any fines enforced go into the community fund that benefits deserving organisations in the Rochford and Southend areas, with the ACC deciding where the money should go.

Celia Riley, fundraising manager for Peaceful Place, accepted a cheque on behalf of the charity.

She said: “We’re extremely grateful to London Southend Airport and the ACC for this wonderful donation, which will go towards activities and entertainment in our day centre.

“We aim to stimulate the mental, physical and social skills of our members and achieve this by providing a wide range of recreational activities.”

Mica Day, community fundraiser for the Neptune children’s ward, said that without donations such as this, the hospital would not be able to offer the advanced levels of care that they do.

She said: “The money will go towards providing sensory equipment in the Neptune Unit which will entertain and engage children with learning disabilities. We’re massively investing in that, so this donation is very much welcomed and we are all very grateful.”

St John’s Ambulance’s George Edwards, said the organisation will be used to train cadets.

He said: “We offer two intensive courses in leadership, which teach youngsters a host of transferable life skills, such as effective communication, problem solving and, of course, leadership. Each place costs around £1,000 so this money will make a significant contribution to funding opportunities for our cadets.”