A family support charity fears it will have to scale back its services after losing a £40,000 grant.

Home-Start Witham, Braintree and Halstead has received Essex County Council funding since it began 30 years ago.

But scheme manager Kathy Butler said the pot for projects for children aged 0 to five is no longer available.

She stressed the charity’s work will continue regardless, but it may not be able to work with as many families as it would like to.

Home-Start supports 116 families across the district at a cost of £1,700 to support each one for a year.

Anyone who wishes to help can call 01376 519101.