TODAY (Monday, 4 October) marks the start of Hospice Care Week - a vital seven days for hospice that serves Thurrock.

The week is a general celebration of hospice care and the diverse support that hospices provide to local communities.

And St Luke's Hospice, which has shops and care centres in the borough, including the about to be commissioned new hospice on Lower Dunton Road near Horndon on the Hill, is at the forefront of local thoughts.

You can learn more about the work of the hospice and donate to it via this link