Residents have helped raise cash for their local youth charity following a recent burglary.

Canvey residents have been donating online to help Canvey Youth Project replace the equipment that was stolen almost two weeks ago.

Alex Dobinson, 48, the manager of the project, said they had recovered their losses and more thanks to the generosity of the people of Canvey.

She said: “We posted on our Facebook page that we had been burgled and the response we had was overwhelming. Everyone started to donate via our BT my donate page.

“We didn’t realise at the time but all the drama equipment and cameras had been stolen as well, they had just finished a show which we filmed and that’s why they were out. It’s just so disappointing.”

The team have received endless donations form Canvey residents and Canvey Sainsbury’s has also invited the team to raise money inside the store on Sunday.

Alex added: “Everyone has been donating small amounts which all adds up and ultimately gets us back on track.

“The local people’s generosity is incredible, it’s so lovely.

“Most of the money we get will replace everything that was taken, if we have any left over it will go towards the new youth hub.”

The Canvey Youth Project is a small local charity based on the island. They have been helping young people with issues such as homelessness, drugs, benefits and alcohol for the past 20 years.

Students from Seevic College are currently helping the team clear the grounds at the new site.

Alex said: “We are currently in two small hall spaces so we’re hoping to move everything to the new site at King Georges Field. All the services will be available on-site and we will hold more youth clubs and facilities. It’s a work in progress, the first step is to build two new counselling rooms.”

When the total has been collected the project’s team will announce via their Facebook page how much the community has helped them raise.

Alex said: “When you’ve been burgled you think the worst of everybody, but then when you receive the help we have had you then realise most people are absolutely amazing.”