A SHOPPER at a Grays convenience store had a surprise this week when she popped in and found she was the recipient of a hamper of luxury items.

Thurrock Nub News editor Neil Speight was the winner recently of a draw held at the Socketts Heath Co-op in aid of one of its chosen good causes, Thurrock Mind, and immediately donated the prize back to the store's Member Pioneer Claire Mason.

And local folk were invited to nominate a deserving recipient of the hamper.

We received a large number of nominations and Diane Palmer, who is a regular shopper at the store, was selected.

Diane will be sharing it with her work colleagues on Meadowview Ward at Thurrock Hospital. The ward is for those with mental health issues so there is a great synergy with the work of Mind, which is a Co-op chosen national charity.

Claire said: "This is very well deserved. Diane has worked throughout lockdown and has gone above and beyond for clients even on her days off. Diane is kind and caring & always has a smile on her face."