THE first of this year's Community Big Lunches took place at Purfleet-on-Thames on Monday (29 July) on the green at Centurion Way.

Among those taking part in Monday's event were Thurrock Police Community Safety & Engagement Officers (CSEOs), together with Essex County Fire and members of your Thurrock Community Safety Partnership (TCSP).

Thurrock Community Safety & Engagement Officers (CSEOs) were in attendance, together with Essex County Fire and members of your Thurrock Community Safety Partnership (TCSP).

In total ten events will take place in parks and open spaces across Thurrock, with the next at the West Thurrock Memorial Ground on London Road, Grays, tomorrow (Thursday, 1 August).

Community Big Lunches are like free mini festivals, with lots of entertainment and opportunities to enjoy Thurrock without having to spend lots of money. These events have been created in partnership the borough's voluntary groups.

The remaining eight events are:

• Wednesday 7 August - Chadwell St Mary Big Lunch
• Thursday 8 August - Tilbury (Picnic in the Park)
• Saturday 10 August - Grays (Seabrooke Rise Community House)
• Wednesday 14 August - Aveley Big Lunch
• Monday 19 August - Corringham Big Lunch
• Wednesday 21 August - East Tilbury Big Lunch
• Friday 23 August - Grays 'Big Local'
• Wednesday 28 August - South Ockendon Big Lunch