The Braintree Village outlet is welcoming applications for grants from local charities.

Braintree Village has opened its applications for not-for-profit organisations as it continues to invest in community support.

The scheme, called Landsec Futures Community Grant Scheme, is offering between £1,000 and £3,000 per organisation.

Applicants must be registered charities or not-for-profit organisations in Essex.

Josef O’Sullivan, centre director of Landsec-owned Braintree Village, said: "Retail has always been at the centre of communities.

"Shopping destinations act as hubs that bring local people together while creating important value for local economies.

"Our community grants programme ensures we can continue to support local organisations that know their places best to effectively address the most pressing social and economic challenges our communities face."

Braintree Village has already awarded £10,000 in grants to local museums, Scout groups, and local food banks.

The efforts are part of Landsec's commitment to social impact investment.

They are aiming to deliver £200 million in 'social value' by 2030, having created more than £114,000 in local 'social value' and supported 85 Essex residents since 2019 through education and employment programmes.

Applications are open until February 19, 2024, by 5.30 pm, with allocations made by late April, 2024.