A VITAL community service has been handed a major financial boost after receiving a grant for £5,000.

The cash has been handed over to Witham Community Hub which has been supporting vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis through it's 'pay it forward' campaign.

The grant came courtesy of councillor Ron Ramage on behalf of Braintree Council.

Mr Ramage, who represents the Witham South ward, presented a cheque to hub trustee Tina Townsend last week.

Mrs Townsend said: "This money will help us to continue to support those still shielding and those who are struggling.

"There are many families who will need support for one reason or another and we want them to know we are here to help them.

"We would like to extend a big thank you to those councillors who have donated via their community funds to help us and especially to councillor Ramage who has supported us since we started the hub in late 2018."

The community hub says it has dealt with more than 7,000 requests for help since the start of the coronavirus pandemic and has been able to redistribute 11,000 meals to families struggling financially.