GRANTS of up to £1,000 are available from the High Sheriffs’ Fund managed by the Essex Community Foundation.

The money will be awarded to groups working to make their communities safer.

The High Sheriff ’s Awards Scheme also gives recognition to those who have gone above and beyond to make their area a safer place to live and work.

Projects which have received grants previously include garden maintenance schemes for elderly residents to reduce burglaries, anti- social behaviour reduction initiatives, women’s refuge organisations and neighbourhood watch schemes.

The deadline date for applications and nominations is December 1.

The High Sheriff of Essex, Lorna Rolfe, said: “I urge organisations to recognise this opportunity and apply for funding so they can further bolster their efforts.”

An independent panel of judges will review the applications and the awards will be presented at a ceremony in March 2017.

For more details visit www.essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk