AN MP has urged residents to vote for local projects eligible for a community fund.

Witham MP Priti Patel is asking her constituents to vote for the local projects that have been shortlisted in the Aviva Community Fund, a nationwide initiative that lends a helping hand to grassroots sports clubs and community causes.

There are three projects in line for funding located in the Witham area applying for grants between £1,000 and £5,000.

The projects include a complete upgrade of the library at St Andrews Primary School in Marks Tey, building upgrades for the KYDS Youth Drama Society in Tiptree, and a project to refurbish the Coggeshall Town Cricket Club House.

Ms Patel said: "The Aviva Community Fund offers local groups, who work tirelessly to make our communities healthier, happier, safer and brighter, the chance to receive a funding boost so that they can improve facilities or launch a new project.

"The three nominees from the Witham constituency are the most deserving of these funds and I urge as many people as possible to show their support and vote for them before tomorrow."

The Aviva Community Fund awards funding of up to £25,000 for local community projects across a range of categories, including supporting the elderly, health and wellbeing, and community sport.

Last year they had over 430 separate winners and this year is bigger than ever with over 800 awards up for grabs.