More than £2,000 is being set aside to ensure the future of four community projects for all ages across Tendring.

A sum of £800 is being pumped into the Environmental Award Scheme for School, which is run in association with Clacton Rotary Club.

Last year, eight schools across the district entered schemes and the winners were Market Field School at Elmstead Market where pupils and staff created a sensory garden.

The cash injection agreed by Tendring Council's community committee will be awarded in prize money.

Councillors also pumped £750 into the Get Smart Take Part drug and alcohol roadshow.

More than 35 per cent of residents felt the council should do more to reduce drug use in a recent poll carried out by MORI.

Last year the roadshow at Clacton Leisure Centre was attended by 140 youngsters and information was given on the effects of both alcohol and drugs.

This year's venue has yet to be decided for the event and will be chosen in consultation with the Tendring Drug Reference Group.

A total of £450 is also being provided for prizes in the Best of Tendring photographic competition, which has run annually since 1995.

And a further £300 has been set aside to pay the insurance costs for the Crucial Crew event.

It is designed to teach children how to cope with dangerous situations, to accept responsibility for their own safety, make sensible decisions and learn social responsibility.

The money comes from the council's special projects budget and its community health and safety budget.

By Nigel Brown

Reporter's e-mail: nigel_brown@thisisessex.co.uk

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