Two charities are celebrating after winning a lottery cash injection of more than £400,000.

Funding totalling £411,630 will be given to Southend Mencap and the Hamelin Trust, based in Billericay, to help run their services.

Marc McOwens, general manager of Southend Mencap said it was fantastic news the charity would be receiving a grant of £128,039 from the Big Lottery Fund's Reaching Communities Programme.

He added: "With this lottery funding we can continue our hugely successful advocacy service, which helps people with learning difficulties express to our advocates what they need, their everyday issues and problems.

"This ensures these vulnerable people are not isolated and their needs are listened to."

The Hamelin Trust will use its £283,591 to boost opportunities for people with learning disabilities, by providing them with work experience at Sutton Bridge Farm.

They will be trained in horticulture, health and safety and manual handling skills, which will help them develop a CV.

Jon Dixon, division manager of the trust, said: "This project will give people with learning difficulties a new-found confidence.

"They can now walk away from this project with skills they can use at home, in the garden or even go on to employment.

"They will now be able to go out and show employers what they can accomplish and achieve."

He added: "This lottery money will mean we can develop the exciting ideas we have for the project, including expanding an allotment area to produce more home-grown vegetables."