THURROCK singer and songwriter Paul Mayo has created an optimistic song called Rainbows which features children from across the borough.

Paul is former front man for Basildon-based synth band, Electro Kill Machine and now current lead singer/songwriter for the universal New Wave band AustenEx.

He is also a successful solo recording artist.

He says: "Seems that maybe this pandemic, however catastrophic, is somehow pulling the world closer. Keep smiling people and support one another.

"With massive help from the children and families of Thurrock we have put a video and song together to champion the amazing efforts of the NHS. It serves as a time capsule for this bizarre time. Keep smiling - stay safe."

Paul, who is Thurrock born and bred, works as a civil servant protecting children and young people but he has been a singer/ song writer for many years.

He says: "I have been lucky enough to have worked with some incredibly talented people. I have previously been managed by Geoff Morrow who wrote 'Can't Smile Without You' and several songs for Elvis Presley and also managed by a guy called Elliot Davis who wrote the West End musical Loserville and the musical Becoming Nancy which is being run on Broadway now.

"I have had songs placed in several films and TV commercials and have a few songs published with several different publishing companies... including a forthcoming Christmas song on a compilation album due out this Christmas. I've supported some 80s artists such as Alexander O'Neill, Nik Kershaw, Heaven 17 and was also a reserve House mate for BBC's Fame Academy years ago.

"I have a song called Wonderfool currently being rotated on radio stations in USA but like about 99 per cent of the people involved in the music business, I'm still waiting for that big break lol. Whether that happens or not, I just love making music and sharing it. Whether one person likes it or 100,000 people... I'll carry on!"

You can find out more about Paul here