CHARITY bosses are celebrating after being handed a cash windfall of more than £300,000.

Home-Start Harwich is one of just seven projects in the East of England chosen to split a pot of £2.7million National Lottery funding.

The group has been awarded £319,557 for its Armbands in Deep Water project.

Based in Stour Road, the group has helped hundreds of families in need since it was launched in 1996 by offering non-judgmental support to people going through a difficult time.

Previously, staff were able to deliver one-to-one support in the home to families with a child under five years old, but they will now be able to extend their age limit to 11, thanks to the extra cash.

Senior organiser Chris Harrison was delighted to secure the lottery money.

She said: “We are excited and relieved that this funding will now enable us to deliver a much-needed service to vulnerable families within our community, offering the continuity of support for the next three years.”

More volunteers will be required to work with the group after Easter to work with families in the Harwich and Manningtree area.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call Chris Harrison on 01255 556230.