SUPPORT from the local community and further afield across south Essex has been recognised by Sandra Sawle, business co-ordinator at Corringham-based Thurrock Foodbank.

This weekend the local charity was delighted to welcome the opening of a new borough distribution centre at the Gates of Praise Christian Centre, a few minutes away from the High Street in Grays.

The centre will now be open Saturday from 10am to noon and Sandra said: "We thank them for their heart for our work and look forward to working with them as they start their journey with us!

Also in the line-up for thanks are Thurrock Sai Group who have delivered another big donation to the centre at Corringham.

And Sandra also took time out to thanks the West Ham United Community Foundation for all their hard work at the Thurrock Foodbank recently.

She says: "They worked incredibly hard sorting, packing and moving crates. They also raised funds by doing a collection in Grays.

"Many thanks to Ali and John who led the team."