AN Easter donation from the local Co-op has helped a fundraising effort by a community group in Thurrock.

As recently reported on Thurrock Nub News the Needles and Chat group of knitters are raising funds for Essex Deaf Childrens Society by knitting chicks to cover Easter gifts that are on sale at Little Thurrock Post Office and the Wharf pub in Grays.

Socketts Heath Co-op made a donation of cream eggs and Kinder toys to Needles & Chat. The store's community liaison staff member Claire Mason is pictured handing over the gift to Susan Burns from the group.

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, the Socketts Heath and other local Co-op stores are promoting the retail chain's currently offering free Pride Boxes to community events in Thurrock. In support of Pride month in June and LGBTQ+ causes, the Co-op will give away Pride Boxes to help make local Pride events a success. Each branded box contains 20 hand-held flags, 10 sticker sheets, 15 badges and four packs of bunting. Find out more and how to apply via this link.