POLICE officers in Thurrock have responded to a plea by staff at a borough care home for local folk to pop by and let older residents know they are not forgotten.

A message went out on social media asking for residents to pop by Bennet Lodge in Chadwell St Mary and leave a message on a Christmas tree for residents who haven't been able to receive visitors.

Members of the Thurrock Community Policing team did just that.

The team visited Bennett Lodge and officers took baubles for the tree and spent time waving at the residents and staff.

A member of staff, Jill Hunt, had asked: "Please if you are passing come along place a bauble on our tree and wave to our residents.

"They have been isolated since March this will mean so much to them and us staff."

Bennett Lodge has been one of the care homes in the region most affected by Covid-19 and a significant number of residents there have passed away. It is one of a number of homes in the region run by Runwood Homes who recently pledged they would be working hard to ensure an improved environment for their residents.