Two Essex Freemasons from Victory Marine Lodge Upminster, Jamie Knights, and Dave Collin, presented a cheque for £1,000 to Maldon and District Sea Cadets on May 30.

Jamie Knights, who comes from a family of boat builders, said: "We are delighted both as Essex Freemasons and as a Lodge with a 'nautical' heritage to be able to contribute to the continued success of our local Sea Cadets".

Dave Collin, whose granddaughter is a member of the unit, added "The Sea Cadets develop confidence and resilience amongst young people and Victory Marine Lodge is delighted to be able to support them in their valuable work".

The donation will contribute to ongoing running costs and enable the Sea Cadets in Maldon to continue giving young people access to incredible opportunities and skills that equip them to succeed in today's challenging world.

Victory Marine Lodge, which meets at Upminster Masonic Hall, has over 40 members from across Essex.

The lodge is one of 289 which form the Masonic Province of Essex with around 8,000 members who regularly donate over £1 million each year to local good causes, charities and community groups in the County.