A CENTRE giving vital help to families on Canvey has received a cash windfall of more than £50,000.

Playplanet, a children's centre based at Furtherwick Park School, has been awarded the grant from Essex County Council's Community Initiatives Fund.

The grant is part of a £114,000 council giveaway to good causes in the Castle Point borough.

It will allow Playplanet, part of the Canvey Family Centre, to build new facilities.

Plans include play areas and counselling rooms, to add to the after-school clubs, parent and toddler groups and bullying counselling it already offers.

John Jowers, Essex County Council cabinet member for localism, said: "Playplanet was one of a number of worthwhile community projects we have funded in Castle Point, and will benefit hundreds of local people.

"The application was impressive and funds will be spent on a range of projects, including a sensory room, moving a music room, flooring for an outdoor play area, the creation of office space, counselling rooms, play rooms and electrics."

The centre has endured a difficult two years following a move from purpose-built facilities, at St Nicholas Church, Canvey.

The centre opened at the church in 1987 thanks to more than £250,000 raised by the community.

But it had to move because of controversy surrounding Rev David Tudor, who is no longer permitted to work with children following a police investigation on child protection issues. Even though the investigation by West Yorkshire Police was dropped, Essex County Council and the Chelmsford diocese ruled the vicar could not be alone with children, either at church or school premises, on the island.

As Furtherwick Park School is due for closure in 2011, it is envisaged the centre may ultimately be relocated in a new college planned for Canvey.