A THURROCK pub is bouncing back and planning to offer more entertainment to its customers after being victim of a Covid-19 hoax recently.

The Crown and Anchor in Aveley was closed for a couple of days as its management sought to ensure customer safety after being told a visitor to the pub had been stricken down with the virus.

The pub acted quickly and responsibly and shut down to implement a deep clean, with the management issuing a direct statement to the public about what was purported to have happened - only to find out later it reported illness was a joke.

It was no laughing matter for staff and customers but having put the incident behind them they are moving forward and ever closer towards 'normality' and are already planning events to raise spirits.

One is a fun quiz night which is being held on Tuesday.

You can find out more about activities at the pub via its Facebook page.