A THURROCK property firm has set up a charity trust which will see it plough funds into local causes.

The trust, which has been two years in the making and is the brainchild of Alan Webb, the managing director of Griffin, an estate agents based in the Queensgate Centre, Grays, could eventually donate up to £30,000 a year to local causes.

Community groups and sports clubs within Thurrock can then apply for the funds to help support their activities.

Griffin already sponsors several youth football teams, including St Clere’s and the Aveley Titans, but is now offering schools, small clubs and community organisations the chance to apply for money from the fund.

Mr Webb said: “We’ve decided to give something back to the community.

“There will be two windows for people and groups to apply for grants and there’s no stipulation of how much can be applied for or the cause. We’ll look at the applications and reward the funds as we see fit.”

The money for the trust fund is being raised through staff donating a small percentage of their wages, through customers being asked if they would like to doate and Mr Webb has got the fund rolling by putting in £5,000 which he has taken from the company.

The first window for organisations or people to apply for funding will open in November, but Griffin are inviting people to get in touch now should they be interested in applying.

Mr Webb added: “It’s open to anyone. If someone needs an operation, but doesn’t have the funds to pay for it - whatever the cause, it will be considered.”

For more information, contact the Griffin team on 01375 382666.