A MALDON charity is benefiting from thousands of pounds clawed back from criminals.

A pioneering match funding scheme is seeing money from the sale of property and items seized by police given to community groups and charities.

First launched in 2014 by Essex Police with an initial sum of £75,000, the scheme is managed by the Essex Community Foundation.

The Sea Change Sailing Trust, based in Maldon, received £5,000 to help disadvantaged and disabled young people who are at risk of social exclusion take part in intensive residential sailing programmes.

Chairman Don Ramsey said: “The young people that we support face social exclusion for a variety of reasons.

"Some may be trapped in a downward spiral of poor parenting, petty crime, re-offending, drugs and alcohol. Many are isolated and depressed and may be self-harming.

“We take them on an intensive five-day residential sailing programme where they live and work together on board a large traditional sailing vessel.

"They participate in a wide range of life skills and are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their contribution and group decisions.

“The experience is intense and demanding yet takes place in an environment that young people consider home while learning the skills they need to guide them in the wider world.”

The money has been generated through the Proceeds of Crime Act and the innovative scheme has proved so successful that Essex Police has now handed on a further £75,000 of match funded money.

Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Constable of Essex said: “The Essex Police Proceeds of Crime Match Funding Scheme is a highly innovative, if not unique approach, which means that money collected from criminals is being used to help increase charitable giving across the county.

“As a result endowed funds are being established and grants are being made to voluntary organisations to help make our county safer.”