TWO Braintree charities have been presented with cheques for more than £2,500 by the chairman of Braintree Council.

John Wood from the Active Braintree Foundation and George Canvin of the Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens Trust received £1,404 each from councillor Vanessa Santomauro, who has helped raise funds for the two organisations during her civic year.

Several events over the past ten months, including a charity golf day, Christmas wrapping workshop and casual dress day at the council, have helped raise the cash.

The presenting of the cheques took place at a council meeting yesterday (March 25).

Cllr Santomauro, who has two months left of her civic year, said: “I am delighted to be in a position to raise money for two fantastic charities.

"Active Braintree Foundation does wonderful work promoting health and activity in a fun and inclusive way and the Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens is a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.

‘‘I am looking forward to raising more money for the charities.’’

Cllr Santomauro’s civic year will come to an end on May 23.

The next chairman will be elected at the council’s AGM in May 2019 following the local elections.