MARINE trusts were presented with donations from profits raised from last year’s Maldon Regatta.

The Maldon Regatta Association presented cheques for £600 to the Heritage Trust, SeaChange Trust and the Thames Barge Trust. The funds were from the £1,800 profit made by the Maldon Regatta of 2017 which was held on the River Blackwater in September.

Gerry Courtney, association chairman, presented the cheques on board the Blue Mermaid, the new Thames barge which is being fitted out in the Downs Road Boatyard in Maldon.

Heritage Trust, represented by Jim Dines, trains apprentices for the traditional marina industry, some of who are working on Blue Mermaid.

The Blue Mermaid is being built for the SeaChange Trust, who take disadvantaged youths for an experience of the teamwork needed sailing at sea.

The Thames Barge trust runs two barges from the Hythe, giving the opportunity for both old and young to sail barges. They are particularly trying to encourage younger children to be interested in barges.

Gerry Courtney said: “The regatta is very pleased to be supporting each of these groups who are helping to maintain a traditional part of Maldons' character.”

The 2018 Maldon Regatta will be held on September 22.

Visit www.maldonregatta.co.uk.