A CHARITY offering cruises and events on historic barges has been awarded a grant of more than £2,000.

Having been formed in 1948, the Thames Barge Sailing Trust celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023.

The trust has received a grant of £2,500 from the Middlewick Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, which is administered by Essex Community Foundation.

One of the trust's main objectives is to boost public awareness of the historic role played by Thames sailing barges.

A spokesman said: “This grant will allow us to run at least four events during 2024 and will cover the cost of materials, the use of the trust’s barges and the production of 1,000 activity books which will be given for free to children who visit the sailing barges Centaur and Pudge during the year.

“The children’s days are always a success and are free to the public. 

“Children aged between five and 11 years are able to come on board and undertake activities below and on deck. “

The trust usually holds the days during school holidays and the first date will be April 11.

Full details and booking information will appear on their website by early March.