THE closure of Debenhams' store at Lakeside because of coronavirus has led to a chocolate windfall for local police – who are egg-cited that they will now be spreading smiles around the region.

Debenhams made Essex Police aware that they had a stock of Easter eggs already in store which they would like to give away as sadly they were unable to sell them.

PCs Strong and Stocker of the Thurrock Community Policing Team collected the eggs and decided to go on a delivery spree.

They were able to deliver them to local police stations, local Fire and Ambulance stations, bus drivers, Orsett Hospital and Basildon Hospital.

A force spokesperson said: "We'd like to say a huge thank you to Debenhams for this extremely kind gesture, it put a lot of smiles on a lot of people's faces."

What's in store at Debenhams? Future of company in doubt as it goes into administration.