HARWICH’S Mayflower Project has been given a boost thanks to a fundraising supper.

The project, based at George Street, will sail away with more than £1,000 thanks to the event, organised by Tendring Council chairman Fred Nicholls, at Great Bromley Village Hall on Friday.

Around 90 people sat down to eat a two-course meal supplied by Linda Pinney of Sweet Success.

Amongst the guests were the patron of the Harwich Mayflower Project, Sir Robert Worcester who was accompanied by his wife Lady Margaret.

They had travelled from their castle in Kent to attend the event.

Sir Robert is the founder of Market and Opinion Research International (MORI).

The vice-chairman of Essex County Council, John Aldridge and his wife Christine were amongst other mayors and chairman from across Essex and Suffolk, along with retiring Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston and his wife Pippa.

Mr Nicholls said: “I would like to thank all those who came along to make it such a special and enjoyable evening which has boosted fundraising for the Harwich Mayflower Project.”

The Mayflower Project is working on building a full size ocean going replica of the English merchant ship which took the Pilgrim Fathers to America in 1620.

The target is to have it in the water to make the same transatlantic voyage in 2020 to mark the 400th anniversary of the crossing.

Mr Nicholls has chosen the project as his charity during his year in office.

Entertainment was provided by community choir Harwich Sing.