ONE of the highlights of the Thurrock Christmas calendar is set to once again boost local charities and good causes around the globe.

The Rotary Club of Grays' Thurrock Christmas Concert at the Civic Hall has become an annual event and this year's concert is the tenth the Rotarians will have produced.

Any profit generated goes into the club's charity fund and is subsequently redistributed, primarily within the local community but also internationally.

The club's community service work is wide-ranging and varied but tends to support individuals and organisations who don't have a high profile or an established fund-raising capacity.

The club also has a huge commitment to local youth development schemes and its Youth Services Committee organises an array of events locally – including Thurrock Youth Debate, Young Chef, Young Musician, Young Photographer, Young Writer, Young Technician, Young Artist, Young Filmmaker and Young Environmentalist as well as the Thurrock Mathletics competition.

There is also a Young Citizens Award and access to a Youth Exchange programme facilitating travel and international learning opportunities.

Through the work of the International Committee the club also supports overseas development projects such as Water Aid and Sand Dams and has a regular commitment to the Disaster Box scheme enabling rapid-response aid to areas suffering after natural disasters.

This year's Concert is on Friday, 20 December 2019 at 7.30pm when Mayor of Thurrock Cllr Terry Piccolo will be in attendance as will be the District Governor-elect of Rotary District 1240 Keith Brownlie.

Rotarian Kevin Watkins added: "However, the real stars of the show are the performers who, year after year, demonstrate the real depth of artistic talent right on our doorstep. The music is underpinned by the Aveley & Newham Brass Band - who as a band of national renown need no introduction - and by the Thurrock Mosaic Choir.

"They will be assisted by the choir of Woodside Academy school and by some cracking solo performers.

"Nia Richards and Sacha Sumption are young sopranos, Isaac Goodier is a 10 wear old treble and Ewan Ward is the current Thurrock Young Musician of the Year and will be playing clarinet and saxophone."

Tickets are available from the Thameside Theatre Box-office, through Ice White Dental Practice in Grays, or from Grays Rotarians. Full details are available on the club website – See link below.