THANKS have been expressed by a Thurrock-based charity for the donation of a gift to be auctioned and the generosity of a buyer - which has resulted in a contribution to funds to help the people of war-torn Ukraine, and a treat for lonely borough residents.

The local co-ordinator for the Re-engage charity, Loraine Coleman, has spoken warmly of the generosity of Stanford-le-Hope's Wonderland Events and to one of its own supporters for their actions.

Loraine explains: "I would like to say a very big thank-you to Katy Herbert for purchasing and donating to Re-engage, a delicious grazing platter for 15 people from Kelly at Wonderland Events.

"Kelly has offered this lovely gift which would have normally cost £150 for a donation of £75 to the Red Cross for Ukraine. Thank you Kelly for your generous donation and thank you Katy for gift to us. This will be such a wonderful treat for our Thurrock tea party guests. A precious double act of kindness."