THANKS have been expressed to local businesses and traders for helping light up Corringham over the Christmas and new year holiday.

The lights, arranged by Corringham, Fobbing & Homesteads Community Forum, are an annual fixture on Corringham's calendar. 

Corringham's Christmas lights were been supported extensively by DP World once again and a significant donation was received from Thames Enterprise Park. 

Those gifts were supported with donations of time from local greengrocers Sunny Fruits who installed the trees, Goldsmiths Electrical who installed the tree lights, and Foresters who are removing the trees. 

Forum secretary Penny Partridge said: "Without these small local businesses being so generous with their time and supporting the community, Corringham would be very dull at Christmas."

"And without the support of DPW and TEP the lights wouldn't be burning brightly, cheering up the town centre and shopping parades in Corringham.

"The trees were paid for by donations from many of Corringham's shopkeepers and traders in Woodbrooke Way, Lampits Hill and Corringham town centre, proving once again that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Corringham."

Corringham, Fobbing & Homesteads Community Forum is a group of residents who work together in support of the local community, to improve facilities, work with local traders and industries, liaise with Thurrock Council departments as well as other sectors such as the police and NHS services. 

They meet monthly at New Hall, The Sorrells and next meet on Monday, 12 February at 7pm. All are welcome.