Four district groups have been awarded grants for community plans.

At the High Sheriffs’ Awards ceremony at Hylands House in Chelmsford on March 18 more than 43 voluntary and community organisations were presented with trophies, certificates and grants totalling £23,471.

Crucial Crew Epping Forest were awarded £1,000 to help pay for an educational workbook for use in the 2015 Crucial Crew Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Education programme for 10-11 year old children.

Voluntary Action Epping Forest were presented with a cheque for £600 to buy equipment for a garden maintenance project helping vulnerable, elderly and disabled people as well as a further £500 to assist with the installation of enhanced key safes in the homes of vulnerable people.

Waltham Abbey Youth 2000 were awarded with £1,000 towards the cost of a confidential counselling facility for young people and Epping Forest Youth Council were given £1,000 to help raise awareness of the impact of bullying amongst young people.

Youth councillor Jaymey McIvor said: "I am thrilled with the money which we have received.

"It shows how a group of just 20 young people can make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of young people."