THURROCK Council has announced the return, this coming summer, of a series of 'Community Big Lunches' across the borough.

They will be run by the council with partner organisations including Impulse Leisure, Active Essex and Thurrock CVS.

The outdoor events, which proved a big success last summer, are a chance for residents in communities to join together for an afternoon of outdoor events with different acts and creative activities at each location.

Impulse Leisure and Active Essex will be putting on physical activities, sports and games for you to try, plus there will be stalls, face painting, music, performances and a DJ!

A council statement says: This year we are launchin a brand new Big Lunch in Blackshots in Grays!

"We are also thrilled to be supporting the Tilbury Picnic in the Park organised by the Tilbury Riverside Project."

Big Lunch Events:

South Ockendon – Monday 28 July

Dilkes Park, Fairham Ave, South Ockendon, RM15 5NN

East Tilbury – Thursday 31 July

Gobions Park, Princess Margaret Rd, East Tilbury, RM18 8TN

Chadwell-St-Mary – Thursday 7 August

Pyramid Resource Centre, Heath Rd, Grays, RM16 3AP

Purfleet-on-Thames – Wednesday 13 August

On the Green (by the Beacon), Centurion Way, Purfleet-On-Thames, RM19 1QA

Blackshots – Monday 18 August

Impulse Leisure, King George's Field, Blackshots Lane, RM16 2LP

Aveley – Friday 22 August

Recreational Ground, High St, Aveley, RM15 4BX

Corringham – Thursday 28 August

Corringham Town Park, Springhouse Rd, Corringham, SS17 7LF

Picnic in the Park:

Tilbury – Wednesday 6 August

The Anchor Fields, Tilbury, RM18 8EY

The council adds: "Entry to these events and the majority of activities are free and we encourage you to come along with a picnic to share with your family and friends.

"Some additional activities may incur a small cost, and refreshments such as tea, coffee, ice creams and cakes will be available to buy on the day.

"These sessions are suitable for all ages."