The Stansted Airport Community Fund has awarded a share of nearly £30,000 to 10 organisations across Essex and Hertfordshire.

Grants of up to £5,000 are offered to projects aimed at improving community life, the environment and conservation within a 10-mile radius of the airport.

Among the organisations receiving grants this quarter are The Arts Centre Dunmow, which received £1,825 towards sky tiles and solar panels, and Thaxted Festival Foundation, which was awarded £1,300 towards catering equipment for the annual festival.

Thaxted Dragons Karate received £3,341 towards training equipment, while Dig It Community Allotment in Saffron Walden received £2,400 towards decking.

Daniel Burford, chair of the community fund, said: "We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful community groups and voluntary organisations around the airport.

"The work they do really makes a difference to the lives of the local people, which is why I am delighted that we are able to offer these grants to support their activities.

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"Applicants who wish to apply for the next round of funding, including our annual flagship £50,000 grant, should do so by September 30.

"So, if you have a community-led project you wish us to support, please apply on our website."

The airport will contribute £1.5 million to the fund in the next decade, which will be topped up by fines for airlines violating noise regulations.