THANKS have been expressed to residents and businesses in Thurrock for their support of this year's Wings appeal in support of the Royal Air Force Association, which raised more than £7,000.

Eddy Coull, Wings appeal officer for the RAFA Thurrock branch says: "On behalf of the president, officers and members of the Royal Air Forces Association (Thurrock Branch), I would like to thank the people of Grays, Thurrock and the surrounding districts for their generous donations to our "RAFA Wings Appeal" 2019.

"I also thank the Grays town centre, Purfleet Heritage Centre and Military Museum, Horndon Feast and Fayre, the managers of Morrisons in Corringham and Grays, Sainsbury in Chafford Hundred, Coalhouse Fort and Lakeside, Langdon Hills, Mayflower and Pitsea Tescos.

"Also to the people of Billericay, Corringham, Wickford and Stanford-le-Hope who donated to our street collections in their town centres.

"Thanks also go to the shops and public houses that kindly accommodated our "Blue Tins" and to the families supporting our "Home Collecting Boxes". And to the organisations and individuals who sponsor us via various other fund-raising activities throughout the year.

"Finally, I would like to thank the cadets and staff of Basildon, Billericay, Grays and Stanford-le-Hope ATC Squadron for help and valuable support during the year.

"Thank you all for helping us to enable us to reach the sum of £7,636.15 which will be passed to RAFA, to be used for the many good causes they support at both national and local level."