Led by the ceremonial maces of Weymouth & Portland, a group of dignitaries, trustees and beneficiaries moved in procession the short distance from St Mary's Church to the George Inn on the harbourside.

Friday's service at the church and the subsequent reception, with hot cross buns and free drinks for beneficiaries, marked the annual grants awarded by the Sir Samuel Mico charity fund to deserving Weymouth youngsters. Some 85 under-25s from the town have received awards over the last year, with causes ranging from overseas exploration to further education and scouting jamborees.

Sir Samuel himself was an exceptionally wealthy Stuart-era merchant who made Weymouth and the George Inn his home after the many ships he owned began using Weymouth as their home port. When he died, he left as a legacy the building and rents from the waterfront property to a charitable trust - and 352 years on since his death, the trust continues to support worthy Weymouth causes.

The original bequeathal was to support 'decaying seamen', but with such figures nowadays thin on the ground, the trust now awards cash sums to young applicants.

One recipient this year was Emma Reed, 25, who received £400 towards her educational costs. Emma, who is 25 and has three children, is undertaking a photography course at Weymouth College, having previously been away from education for seven years. "The grant was a game-changer," Emma told the Echo, explaining that she had used the grant to upgrade the laptop she uses for her course.

Gary Hepburn. the chairman of the charity's trustees, extolled the fund's ongoing good work. "It has improved the lives of so many young people in Weymouth," he said. "It is so pleasurable to see individuals being given a boost at the start of their lives."

Veterinary student Eleanor White received a grant for the fourth year running. Eleanor, a 22-year-old final-year student at the Royal Veterinary College in London, was awarded £500 towards her placements, equipment and specialist clothing.

"I think the fund is great," said Eleanor. "I would definitely encourage everyone to apply."

Meanwhile Luke Gregory, 19, was attending the reception after receiving grants in two previous years to accompany Royal Geographical Society expeditions to Ecuador and the Himalayas. "The grants really were a catalyst," said Luke, a former Budmouth College pupil who hopes to join the Royal Navy next year. "I couldn't have gone on the trips without them."

Mayor of Weymouth & Portland, Kevin Brookes said: "The service has made me fully aware of the depth of the charity's support for young people over the last 350 years. It really is history on the doorstep."

The Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, agreed. "This fund is a huge contribution to the lives of young people in the area," he said. "And I think it is important to remember that it all started with just one man who had done well in life and wanted to give back to the town."

Mr Campbell noted that it was particularly impressive that the charity fund had endured for 350 years without falling prey to mismanagement or embezzlement.

Information about applying for grants can be found on the Weymouth Town Charities website at www.weymouthtowncharities.org.uk