JUST 133 days since our launch, Thurrock Nub News today crashed through the half a million page views marker.

Since our first post on 19 November we have produced 1,235 Thurrock-based stories to date and thousands of Thurrock people now use the site as their go-to place for local news.

Editor Neil Speight said: "We have gone from strength to strength with our presence in the borough growing on a day by day basis.

"Every week seems to bring a new landmark figure and it is pleasing to see so many people returning the the site on a daily basis to keep in touch with what's going on around them.

"I am particularly proud of the way we have been able to support local businesses - as well as residents - during this current coronavirus crisis by offering free promotional support and letting local people know where their local services can be found.

"Our commitment is to give Thurrock the best impartial and focused local community news service and we are continually upgrading and improving our service and our presentation of local news. Lots more innovation will be coming too.

"We are the only news service based in the borough, staffed by local people. Our role is to inform - but also to play an important democratic function by supporting participation and increasing engagement at a community level as well as holding public bodies to account."

"Today (Monday, 30 March) has been a landmark for us, but there will be many more to come. Thank-you to all our readers and to our contributors. If you would like to join the band of local people using our service to highlight what's happening in your community email me at [email protected] or send us the information via our unique Nubit button.