RESIDENTS of Stanford and Corringham who have supported the towns' carnival were praised at a presentation evening tonight (Saturday, 2 April) when £7,500 was presented to good causes.

It was all raised despite the fact that the carnival has not taken place for two years because of Covid-19.

Nevertheless the organisers, headed by local couple Cherie and David Sergeant, continued to arrange fundraising events in the local community including online sales drives, boot sales and raffles.

This evening their efforts, plus those of a host of local supporters and residents, resulted in cheques being presented to Little Havens Hospice, Stanford and Corringham First Responders and the be Kind Foundation.

Young people and their families from across the region who make up the local carnival community attended and hopefully will be back in the two towns later this year when the carnival procession and other events take place once again.

Carnival courts from Basildon and Pitsea, Wickford. Witham and Maldon were among those who took part in the celebration event.