CHARITIES have received £1,000 funding as part of a national award scheme.

Essex Retired Police Dog Fund, Brightlingsea Lido, the Robin Cancer Trust and Aim Hi and Open Road Visions are among 11 groups across Essex which have received funding as part of the Movement for Good Awards, set up by insurance firm Ecclesiastical.

Essex Retired Police Dog Fund is based in Alresford and its founder and chairwoman Linda Belgrove said: “To raise £1,000 is a lot of hard work for us and if we raise £400 we are delighted so it is just wonderful of them.”

Rachel Fletcher, chairwoman of trustees for Brightlingsea Lido, said she was “surprised and delighted” to receive the funding.

The charity, which works to improve the town’s outdoor swimming pool, is now working on projects including funding for a new hoist and improving access.

Also receiving a donation is the Robin Cancer Trust based in Wivenhoe which raises awareness of germ cell cancer following the death of 24-year-old Robin Freeman in 2011.

Aim Hi, a charity based at the Hazelmere Infant School and Nursery in Colchester, will use its grant to fund the professional recording of a specially written school song.

Headteacher Steve Turnball said: “The children have produced an amazing recording which is now available to listen to. Fundraising along with extremely generous donations from organisations make a huge difference to our children.

“At a time where school budgets are under unprecedented pressure, it is becoming more and more difficult to give our children the sort of enriching experiences they deserve.”

Another grateful recipient is drug and alcohol support service Open Road Visions, which is based in Colchester. It will be using the money to support its front line provision, supporting service users in their recovery.

Sarah Wright, chief executive, said: “We want to thank everyone who took the time to nominate and vote for us.”