LADY Rosemary Ruggles-Brise ended her year as the High Sheriff of Essex by handing out awards and grants to various good causes from around the Reporter area and further afield.

At the annual awards, held at Spains Hall in Finchingfield, Lady Ruggles-Brise said she was “privileged to have visited many organisations and many people who give their time generously and selflessly for others”.

Three projects in the Reporter area benefited from a cash boost from the High Sheriff.

Saffron Walden Skate Group received �250 for website maintenance and the Saffron Walden Youth Outreach Project secured �500 for running costs of the Goldie Youth Club. Thaxted Youth Club also received �500 towards CCTV at its skate park.

Home-Start Uttlesford and the Saffron Walden & District Group of Riding for the Disabled were also nominated in the Volunteer Centre Essex Awards.

In total 68 community schemes, charities and individuals from across the county received grants totalling �28,162.

“There is often a lot of talk about frontline services but it is important to remember the work being done behind the scenes by volunteers who all play a valuable role in reducing crime and anti-social behavior and are helping to make our communities safer places to live,” said Lady Ruggles-Brise.

The High Sheriffs’ Fund is managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF), an independent charitable trust investing and distributing funds to charities on behalf of individuals, companies, trusts and public agencies. For information, visit essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk

Since its establishment in 1997, the fund has distributed over �355,000 in grants to voluntary and community organisations which are supporting people and helping to make Essex communities safer from crime.