TWO Basildon charities can continue their good work, thanks to grants from Essex County Council's Millennium Fund.

Anti-bullying project Five Links Turning Point, has won a £5,200 grant, which will pay to hire a part-time project worker.

The Pavis Foundation for Visually Impaired People, which aims to help visually-impaired people live independently has been given £2,125 to support its programmes in Basildon.

The fund has given more than £500,000 countywide, since it was established to mark the turn of the millennium.

At the recent awards ceremony, county council chairman Gerard McEwen praised the charities for their work in support of vulnerable people.

He said: "This year's event is particularly special, as we are celebrating the distribution of more than half a million pounds since the fund was established.

"The council is very grateful to the Essex Community Foundation for its professional management of the fund, investing the initial donation of £1million and enabling us to award more grants year on year."