THE Adnams Charity has now handed out more than �800,000 to local good causes since its formation in 1990, its annual accounts have revealed.

The charity, which supports projects based within a 25-mile radius of Adnams’ headquarters in Southwold, awarded grants totalling �78,258 last year to a total of 80 organisations.

As in previous years, grants spanned a range of sectors, including Education, Health & Social Welfare, the Arts, Recreation, Buildings & Community Facilities, Conservation/Environment, History and Community Funds.

Among a number of schools to benefit were Aldeburgh Primary, Benhall Primary, Bramfield Primary, Edgar Sewter Primary, Halesworth, Leiston High, St Benet’s Primary, Beccles, St Edmund’s Primary, Bungay and Woodbridge Primary.

Health and social welfare projects supported included Just42 Ltd, the Sequal Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, Suffolk Positive Futures, Catch 22 Suffolk 16+, North East Suffolk Citizens Advice Bureau and Crossroads Care Waveney.

Other projects to receive grants included the Bungay Arts and Theatre Society, Reydon Playing Field, Reydon Youth Club, Beccles Lido, Southwold Allotment Holders Association, Suffolk Community Re-Use and Recycling Network, Southwold Museum and Eastfeast.

Jonathan Adnams, who chairs both the company and the charity, said: “The Adnams Charity is an integral part of Adnams plc and we are proud of the difference it makes to our local area.”

The Adnams Charity, originally founded to mark the centenary of the company, is funded by an annual donation of at least 1% of the profits of Adnams plc and by donations from individuals, including a major legacy from a former shareholder.

“As ever, donations from our shareholders have been vital and very much appreciated,” added Mr Adnams. “Thanks to their generosity we have been able to help many more people than would otherwise have been possible.”