A THURROCK café is set for a big celebration weekend after being named the best in Essex.

Proper Vintage Tearoom on William Street in Grays pipped local rival Bombers café at Orsett in public voting after the two were short-listed (along with Queen Bees Tea Room in Shoeburyness) in the final stage of the Essex Eats Awards run by the Essex Live media platform.

It's the beginning of a double celebration for Wendy and Ian Mills who opened Proper Vintage just last November and are planning for their first birthday.

Wendy said: "I am so thrilled, I can't really believe it. Thank you so much for everyone who voted for us. We will be having a celebration this evening (Friday, 24 October) and will be doing more shortly to thank all the people who have made this such a memorable first year."