HISTORIC Creeksea Place in Burnham-on-Crouch will receive £499,765 from the Government's Heritage Stimulus Fund to help preserve the site's future in the wake of the pandemic.

The cash, distributed by Historic England, is a capital reconstruction grant for the Tudor mansion and gardens, which was used in the filming of the BBC's production of Great Expectations.

The site, in Ferry Road, includes the Grade II listed red-brick mansion house with a walled garden, orchard and lakes.

In more usual times, the manor house is used as a wedding venue and for public events, such as on Mothering Sundays.

Two other Maldon district heritage organisations also received grants from the Government's cultural recovery fund, also aimed at providing much-need support to help protect the area's historic assets at a time when Covid-19 has put a stop to most fundraising events.

The WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust, which works with the First World War aerodrome at Stow Maries, received £24,000, while the Heritage Marine Foundation, based in Downs Road Boatyard, Maldon, will also receive a welcome boost to its funds. You can read more about that story here.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale said: "Maldon is especially fortunate in having so many great heritage assets.

"I am delighted that the Government's Culture Recovery Fund is helping sustain both Stow Maries, the only surviving Great War Aerodrome in the UK, as well as the traditional boat building skills which are needed to maintain our magnificent Thames Barges and other classic vessels."