DESPITE the restrictions of the Covid-19 lockdown, Remembrance Sunday in Thurrock did not go unmarked today.

There were small services and individual tributes paid throughout the borough during the day, with many hundreds of people taking time to stop and remember the fallen who gave their lives in conflicts going back to the First World War.

Because of the restrictions, many people felt unable to attend their local memorials, so Thurrock Nub Nubs went out and about today, with editor Neil Speight filming in churchyards, town centres and even at a local residential complex, taking the memorials to the people.

His film captures poignant moments across the borough, from Corringham in the East to Purfleet in the west and many points in between and he talks to local dignitaries, representatives of the Royal British Legion and community group members during his journey.

Among those he met during the day was Dennis Mason, father of Lance Corporal Nicky Mason, who lost his life during the conflict in Afghanistan. On behalf of all those who have suffered loss, and on behalf of the services, Mr Mason - who maintains the memorial garden in Aveley expressed his heartfelt thanks top all the members of the borough community who still find time to respect and remember those who gave their lives.

With emotions too raw to speak on camera, Mr Mason nevertheless told us: "It's been more than 12 years since we lost Nicky but the heartache will never really go away. However, there is a huge amount of comfort in knowing that his sacrifice meant so much to so many people who still remember him and all those who gave their lives in service of their country."

Our tour took in Stanford-le-Hope, East Tilbury, Tilbury, Little Thurrock, Grays, South Ockendon, Aveley, Purfleet, Orsett, Bulphan, Horndon on the Hill and Corringham - ending with the exhortation and Kohima Epitaph from St Margaret's back in Stanford.