THE caring local community has been praised by a borough resident who called for support to help a family in need.

Julie Sorrell-Wilde is well known for her community involvement in Stanford-le-Hope and she says she is overwhelmed by the response - capped by news that a local firm will carpet the family's house.

Benems, based on the old Stanford Road between Stanford-le-Hope and Orsett (see red button below) came up with the generous gesture after reading about the family's situation thanks to Julie.

She says: "The family, a mum with three children, have been in refuge for five months before being allocated a local council house. They arrived with just a few carrier bags of essentials.

"I have been helping them with clothing and food bank vouchers and am so grateful for the response.

"Among donations for the family have been a Tescos card voucher, a Christmas hamper from Thurrock Foodbank, bags of food, furniture - beds, sofas, kitchen utensils, a microwave and and mini oven and children's toys from our wonderful community.

"And we have had the most amazing donation from Rachel and the Benems Carpet Team who have carpeted the whole house for when the family move in on Christmas Eve."