SHOPPERS cheered and clapped as new memorial bench in Corringham was officially unveiled this morning (Friday, 3 July).

It is sited just outside the Morrisons store on St John's Way and in front of a 'Tommy' silhouette.

The bench was put in place by members of the Corringham, Fobbing and Homesteads Community Forum who worked with Morrison and Thurrock Council to turn the idea in reality.

Forum member and ex Thurrock councillor Tony Sharp explained that the forum had already placed the silhouette as part of a previous remembrance commemoration and felt that the bench would be a nice addition to the site where shoppers gather.

"We are grateful to everyone for their help, including Morrisons through their community champion Samantha Ralph and Thurrock Council, particularly Lynn Gittins from the community development team," said Mr Sharp.