THOUSANDS of pounds has been donated to a range of Harwich community groups by a wind farm company.

Galloper Offshore Wind Farm, based in Harwich, has awarded £10,200 between four community groups providing initiatives for young people.

The groups include the Harwich Festival of the Arts Trust, London Bus Theatre Company, Harwich Shanty Festival, and Harwich Amateur Boxing Club.

More than £5,000 was awarded to Harwich Festival of the Arts Trust to employ the part-time administrator.

Michael Offord, general manager of the Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sian Allpress as the Harwich Festival administrator.

"She has a vital role to play in developing the Harwich Festival as a year round organisation, particularly as we embark upon the exciting task of developing the new Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre.”

The London Bus Theatre Company is already underway with its initiatives that include drama workshops in local schools on alcohol and anti-social behaviour, film production with young people who will develop the script and deliver the full project from shoots to cinema marketing, and a monthly drama club at Harwich and Dovercourt High School.

Project manager Kathy Austen said: "The funding will help engage more young people from Harwich into the project and will make a real difference to their lives by boosting their confidence and self-esteem, improving transferable life skills and reducing isolation."

The first workshop session for the Harwich Shanty Festival will be with primary school children and timed to tie in with the 75th anniversary of D-Day this year.

A D-Day veteran and regular shanty performer will run the workshops.

Pam Fitzgerald, festival director, said: “We are proud of Harwich’s maritime history and enjoy fostering a sense of community pride by celebrating our heritage.

"The grant from the Galloper Community Fund will enable us to run three very special and very different workshops during the lead up to our festival in October."

Harwich Amateur Boxing Club is a local club for amateur boxers with sessions starting for those as young as five.

Martin Webb, head coach, said: “We at the club are delighted to receive the recent cash injection that will help our volunteer-led club remain sustainable, and hopefully see many more members go on to learn the sport of amateur boxing."

Galloper operations and maintenance manager Sean Chenery said: "Our fund is just one way we can support worthwhile local organisations and initiatives."