AN event in Grays this afternoon saw a charity supported by the owners of the State cinema offered free food to townspeople and Christmas gifts to passing children.

Among those dishing out the gift was Naveed Ahmad who says is company is on the brink of submitting it final draft of a planning application for the iconic building's regeneration.

He hopes to see the building brought back to life as a function centre and hotel.

Today's event was run under the auspices of the Citrus Foundation, the charitable arm of the Citrus Group run by Mr Ahmad, and established by the Board of Directors predominantly to support families and children in need across the UK.

Debbie Thompson from the Foundation spoke to Nub News about the purpose of the day – and said it was expected that the planning application would be delivered to Thurrock Council shortly:-