A FORMER Thurrock mayor and a local company have joined forces to send birthday wishes in advance to one of South Ockendon's most popular and caring characters.

Linda Saunders, or Linda Lou as she is probably better known, celebrates a milestone birthday this Friday, 26 March. She may turn 80 that day but that has not stopped her giving her time to help those in need.

A regular volunteer and popular character at the South Ockendon Hub Linda has always been there for many but the closure of the Hub because of Covid-19 has meant that she now spends most of her days at home isolating on the phone checking up on people, finding answers to their questions and just generally being a friend to those in need.

Friends of Linda Lou, former Mayor of Thurrock Sue Gray and local businessman Peter Wiffen, from HW Wilson have nothing but praise for what Linda Lou still does to help those who may be confused and frightened with wat's happening in the world today.

Sue said: "I think last week Linda Lou had between 25 and 30 callers and she always follows up the calls with them to see how they're getting on. Plus she has a list of her 'regulars' she calls just to check in on them and make sure all is OK".

Peter added: "Linda Lou is certainly a character and we miss her popping in on a Friday afternoon for a cup of tea and a chat.

"She is devoted to helping out and always puts others before herself. She won't like the fact we've made a fuss of her birthday but for one day at least it should be about her and not everyone ese!"