THURROCK's annual Battle of Britain tribute took place at the Grays High Street war memorial on Sunday (21 September).

A service was led by local Methodist preacher and Grays Thurrock RAF Association Padre Maureen McPherson and featured music from Grays Town Band, including soundings of the Last Post and Reveille from its director Dave Honeywell.

Watch the service

The Royal British Legion exhortation was read by 100-year-old WWII veteran and Lancaster bomber crew member Jim Gooding, who is president of the RAF Association branch.

Wreaths were laid by Mr Gooding, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Essex Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, borough Mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick, Thurrock Council leader Cllr Lynn Worrall and Grays Thurrock RBL vice president Peter Taylor.

Guards of honour were formed by members of 1582 (Stanford-le-Hope) and 106 Orsett Hundred Air Cadet Squadrons and TS Dragon - Thurrock Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets.