THANKS have been expressed by a borough community group to the landlord and staff at a local pub who helped make Christmas extra special for people in need.

The Riverside Community Big Local organisation and its volunteers were kept busy over the Christmas period in the planning and execution of its Christmas dinners for the Community mission.

The idea was put forward by Renae Leybourn - one of organisation's board members and it wasn't long before The Fleet in Purfleet had offered to cook the 50 meals for former rough sleepers, those who are vulnerable and isolated.

But these weren't any dinners, these are Christmas Dinners, to be delivered chilled on Christmas Eve ready to be reheated on Christmas Day. Even the bags were a gift-donated by Ghurka Kitchen in Grays and each bag included the meal with all the trimmings, a Christmas hat and a special treat-a mini Christmas Cake-made and supplied by South Essex College.

The pictures show happy volunteers preparing the bags and getting ready to deliver them on Christmas Eve and Riverside Community Big Local has issued special thanks to all at the Fleet, particularly Dermot, Alison and Holly.