Charity Age UK Essex is celebrating this week after winning a prestigious High Sheriff’s Award.

The charity was presented with the Essex County Council Bowl which recognises organisations that have made extra effort, beyond statutory or formal duty, to deliver programmes directly to the community.

The charity, which supports over 40,000 older people in the county, were also awarded a grant from the High Sheriff’s Fund to purchase purse security chains to help prevent thefts from bags and pockets.

High Sheriff of Essex, Julia Abel Smith, and county council chairman Kay Twitchen presented Age UK Essex’s income generation manager Jean Robinson with the award during a ceremony at Anglia Ruskin University. The event was attended by over 200 guests including the Lord Lieutenant, chief constable, assistant chief fire officer, mayors and chairmen from each district.

Managed by the Essex Community Foundation since 2007, the High Sheriff’s Fund has distributed 498 grants totalling over £410,000 to voluntary and community organisations which support people and address crime related issues in their area.

For information on Age UK Essex, visit ageukessex.org.uk or call 01245 346106.