A group which has helped almost 500 people with mental health issues or learning disabilities is set to close.

Maldon Active Support Trust (MAST) will come to end on December 31.

Over the last decade the group has supported 470 people in Maldon at risk of isolation through a host of activity sessions in the community, including art classes, team building sessions and offering one-to-one support to residents.

A spokesman for the Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service (MDCVS), which runs MAST, said: "MAST comes to a close on December 31 2018 after five years of Lottery funding.

"The project which aimed to support people to get involved in their community through activities and volunteering has worked with more than 470 people and supported more than half to go onto be placed in a community activity with benefits being reported such as improved social contact, health and wellbeing."

Although the service has now ended, the group is still going to be able to continue helping people.

The spokesman added: "Thanks to funding from Essex Community Foundation and the district's windfarms we are pleased to announced that although the MAST project will come to an end in December, we will be able to continue to offer one to one support to the community our community engagement coordinator, Jan Ward.

"Other activities started as part of MAST will also continue after December 31.

"Our weekly walks will be supported by Linda Allen who will continue with MDCVS as groups coordinator."

If you or someone you know may benefit from MDCVS' support, contact Jan Ward on 01621 851891 or email at jan@maldoncvs.org.uk.