2022 has begun for the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock with a new face and a notable accolade for one of its established members.

Following a successful membership information evening in late November, the first of its new members Steve Quigley was inducted last week with more expected to follow.

And the club presented its highest award, the Paul Harris Fellowship (named after the founder of the Rotary movement), to Rotarian Steve Payne for outstanding service to the club and the local community.

Steve single-handedly took up the challenge of building the club a new Christmas sleigh which performed flawlessly for Santa in December and is set to bring joy to borough children and help raise funds for great causes for many years to come.