Southend Airport has donated a total of £10,000 to five charities throughout Essex.

Staff from both easyJet and the airport came together at the end of last year to raise funds for the good causes through the airport's Santa Flights.

On December 2 and 3, staff played host to the airport's own Santa with his sleigh and reindeer.

Together they spent the two days to raise funds for Essex good causes and giving more than 160 children, their friends and family a chance to take a flight with Santa.

Included in the charities to receive a donation of between £460 to a massive £7,000 are; Delaware House, Little Hero’s ASD Support Group, Southend and Leigh Methodist Church Homeless and Night Shelter, Elizabeth Loury Ward and Neptune Children's Ward at Southend Hospital.

The Neptune Children's Ward received the largest donation of £7,000, which will be used to purchase an Iris Shower Chair for patients.

Representatives of the charities all came together this week for a celebration at the Holiday Inn at Southend Airport where they received their cheques.

Samantha Howell, home manager at Delaware House, said “Everyone at Delaware House would like to thank Southend Airport for their kind donation towards our new sensory room, regular activities for people who have dementia can support wellbeing and prevent isolation, helping people to maintain relationships, interests and interactions with families and the team which leads to a better quality of life.”

Glyn Jones, chief executive officer of Stobart Aviation that owns London Southend Airport added: “These five charities are all great examples of projects being run in the communities served by Southend Airport.

"I am proud that we can play our part in helping them to continue their admirable work.

"The festive Santa Flights are a truly magical day out for the children and their families, and I’d like to thank all the staff from the airport and easyJet who donated their time and worked tirelessly to make them happen.“