A LEADING Thurrock councillor has praised two borough businessmen for their efforts to support local armed service veterans.

Reform Cllr Russell Cherry, is the portfolio holder for Veterans, Enforcement and Environment, and he has asked residents to support them in their efforts.

Chris Martin, who runs Bombers café at Orsett, and Steve McQuade (known locally as 'Dobbo'), who runs Grays Discount Furniture, on Clarence Road, Grays, have been commended for their endeavours not just to raise funds, but supporting local events.

Mr McQuade collects unwanted bric-a-brac, including small electrical items, phones and laptops, which are resold to raise money for Homes for Heroes.

Bombers Café, on Brentwood Road, Orsett, regularly hosts events for veterans, bringing them together with supporters and ensuring their welfare needs are met.

The next event is a barbecue at Bombers next weekend (Saturday 17 October), starting at 1pm.

Cllr Cherry said: "These two businesses are doing fantastic things to help veterans in the borough. If you can, I urge you to support them.

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"To help Grays Discount Furniture, please donate any unwanted bric-a-brac to them. All money raised goes to Homes for Heroes, helping armed forces veterans who may have fallen on hard times. They have donated thousands of pounds over the years, and every donation helps.

"Bombers Café regularly hosts barbecues and other events for veterans. They are a chance for people who have served to get together, swap stories and share camaraderie.

"The council wants to support veterans however we can, and these businesses are already doing a fantastic job. I wanted to highlight the fantastic work they are doing and urge everyone to support them, and any other business that helps our armed forces veterans."