THANKS have been expressed by a Co-op Member Pioneer to colleagues at the company's local distribution depot for supporting an event at Treetops School in Grays.

Claire Mason, who takes on the community liaison role and is known as a 'Member Pioneer' at the Co-op store on Socketts heath, attended the specialist school and college to sample the tastes of its multi-cultural food week. She was accompanied by Co-op Pioneer Member co-ordinator Jack Williams.

Claire says: "Thank you to Klaudia and Rhiannon at the Co-op Depot in Thurrock for supplying pasta, sauces and rice for Italian day.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the food tasting. Thanks to Treetops and Jackie King for inviting me. I love my Pioneer role."