DESPITE a significant rise of an additional 3,735 confirmed cases of coronavirus being reported across the UK, the reported tally in Thurrock has remained static for the first time in several days.

It had risen to 83 yesterday and figures revealed this evening show the same figure.

Meanwhile there was good news for the Thurrock Foodbank charity this afternoon (Saturday, 4 April).

On a day when the charity appeals for more volunteers and donations (see story) it received news of a major donation.

On behalf of its two stores in Grays and Corringham, supermarket chain Morrisons has announced it will be producing food just for Foodbanks.

Morrisons will act as a collecting point in the two local stores but will also be delivering its own gifts to Foodbank.

A statement from the company says: "We will help restock local Foodbanks during the coronavirus outbreak thanks to additional deliveries of extra food produced by Morrisons food-making sites and distributing more food from stores.

"We will be running bakery, egg and fruit & veg packing site for an extra hour every day to make, prepare and pack food required to restock the Foodbanks.

"Morrisons will also be sending deliveries of ambient food - such as canned goods and pasta - to Morrisons Grays and Corringham to also give to their local foodbank outlets.

"The food donated to the store will be distributed to food banks by the Morrisons Grays community champion - Tarnya Bennett - who works with the local community.

"Typical items being donated include bread, eggs, orange juice and bags of pasta."

Tarnya said: "We are uniquely placed to help. We know Foodbanks are finding life very difficult and helping restock them is the right decision at this time."