Community groups in Maldon have won the lottery - scooping thousands of pounds in grants.

The Awards for All Scheme, a lottery programme, supports projects which back community activities.

Dengie Hopes and Dreams drama group, Maldon and District University of the Third Age and the Maldon Youth Orchestra have all been picked for grants.

The Maldon Youth Orchestra has been awarded £4,996, allowing it to provide the instruments to set up a new percussion section. That will allow youngsters to join and learn to play without having to buy their own instruments.

Maldon and District University of the Third Age provides social and learning for elderly people. The group will use its £4,368 award to provide equipment to develop the presentation of information during meetings, enabling everyone attending to see and hear the instructors.

The Dengie Hopes and Dreams group stages shows involving the community and children from local schools.

It has been awarded £1,970 which it will use to develop a focus on heritage, particularly on the life and times of Samuel Pepys.

Published Monday, September 6, 2004

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