GUESTS and volunteers from Thurrock Re-engage, the charity that helps people overcome loneliness by hosting events, enjoyed two tea parties over the weekend.

An afternoon of fun and laughter for groups T6 & T7 was hosted by Tesco at Lakeside.

Group co-ordinator Paula Mullooly said: "Thank you so much to the hosts, Angela Mitchell, Claire & Sophie for a wonderful tea party.

"Tescos and Angela have been supporting Re-engage for more than seven years. 

"Our guests and volunteers enjoyed a few games of bingo and a raffle with lots of prizes of whiskey, gin, wine and Easter eggs.

"We welcomed a new guest, Diane to T7 and celebrated T6 Brenda's upcoming birthday. "Thanks as always to the volunteer drivers for their care and support of our guests."

Re-engage Thurrock 5 group were treated to a tea party hosted by volunteer Dorothy at Headon Hall where guests enjoyed home-cooked food.

Co-ordinator Loraine Coleman said: "It was enjoyed by all our tea party guests. Thank you so, so much Dorothy. We welcomed our new volunteer driver Tony and our new guest Sam who is 98.

"As always these tea parties cannot take place without our wonderful volunteers driving and taking such special care of our tea party guests."