THE generosity of a local couple has been highlighted by a borough vicar who has offered his gratitude after his church benefitted from new lighting.

Rev Tom Rout, vicar of St Margaret's Church in Stanford-le-Hope took to social media to pay tribute to local couple Peter and Shirley Watson.

He told residents: "Hopefully many of you will have noticed that St Margaret's is again illuminated at night, thanks to Peter and Shirley. Peter was involved with lighting of the war memorial, and offered to light St Margaret's for the whole community to enjoy.

"Thanks to Peter and Shirley's generosity, and their help installing the super-safe low voltage uplighters, the tower is now lit and should be visible from far and wide.

"The lights will be on between roughly 4pm and midnight. Enjoy!"