A shopping outlet will be undertaking '20 acts of kindness' as it celebrates a landmark anniversary.

Braintree Village will mark its 20 years since it was first opened by handing charities and organisations across Essex a share of a £5,000 jackpot.

Staff at the outlet have already selected five different groups who will receive some of the money and the final 15 organisations will now be selected through a public vote.

Among those to have already received funding is the Friends of Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens who help maintain the beauty spot in Bocking End.

Braintree based charities First Stop Centre and New Direction Resettlement Centre, which are both up the road from the public gardens, have also been chosen to be sponsored.

Guide Dogs and the Dementia Friendly Cinema initiatives in Halstead are the other two schemes selected by staff.

Voting for the other 15 groups who will receive funding is now open and shoppers at Braintree Village are now being urged to have their say.

Centre manager Josef O'Sullivan said: "We have been a huge part of the local community for 20 years, raising thousands and donating hours to First Stop Centre last year.

"We want to give our guests and Essex residents the chance to have their say as part of this new initiative.

"There are so many worthwhile causes across the county and we want to know more about them and the fantastic work they do locally. We can’t wait to start reading the nominations and surprise 15 more organisations with a random act of kindness."

Anyone making a nomination must provide a brief explanation why their choice of group should be chosen to receive an act of kindness.

Braintree Village will be providing funding of up to £250, as well as offering the services of staff for a day of volunteering.

To make a nomination, contact braintreeactsofkindness@grayling.com.