THANKS have been expressed to a local business which stepped up to the plate and helped a local community hall after vandals struck.

A gate at the Homesteads Village Hall on Dunstable Road in Stanford-le-Hope was recently wrecked and the community-based facility faced a substantial replacement bill.

However, Stanford-based firm Nserv Ltd stepped in and not only ensured removal and safe disposal of the old gate but they replaced it with a new gate an ironmongery.

The company's boss Jimmy Newgate, known popularly as Jimmy Lee, popped along to mark the installation with a handshake and thanks from hall manager and local councillor Gary Byrne.

Cllr Byrne said: "This was a wonderful gesture by Jimmy and his company and shows how important local businesses are to local communities and how they support us. A big thank-you from all who use the hall and out local community."