THE kindness of a Thurrock community has been applauded after residents more than made up for a theft that had dire consequences for its victim.

Jane Thomas from East Tilbury is currently undergoing a programme of two months of radiotherapy and has to travel to hospital by her car – which was rendered inoperable when thieves stole its catalytic converter.

Jane needed to find the £500 needed to replace it so Vince Turner, who is part of the east Tilbury community, set up a crowdfunding page to help her out, initially saying there were 'no words' to condemn the crime.

However, the fund quickly reached its target and has gone beyond it, leaving Vince far from speechless this time.

He said: "We have enough to replace the converter and plan to give the remaining balance to Jane so she can go back and forth by cab and not worry about driving for her treatment.

"This just proves the outstanding community spirit in East Tilbury. A truly brilliant response."