A COLLABORATIVE effort between Chadwell St Mary Primary School and

members of Henry de Gray, Thurrock, St Johns and Old Palmerians Masonic Lodges, saw 600 Union Jack Hats and flags donated to the pupils and teachers.

The school which neighbours the Cross Keys Masonic Centre in Chadwell used the donation to help prepare a Platinum Jubilee garden party which took place this week.

The Lodges also assisted with an art competition for pupils and donated many prizes of Amazon Kindles and art sets for the winners and runners up across two age groups.

The competition was to create something 'Regal or Royal' in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Entries ranged from collage to pencil drawings and the competition was a huge success.

Lodges representatives Dave Barton, Chris Bushell, Clive Cheeseman and Joe Curtis visited school to judge the entries.

School office manager Tina Gale said: "Jubilee celebrations got off with a bang in Chadwell.

"A big thank you to all the Lodges for their support with prizes, hats, flags and for judging the winners of the art competition.

"We had the music outside and the children danced and sang along with the teachers and staff.

"All the children and staff in attendance had a great day in the sun."