AN event took place in Grays today (Sunday, 1 November) to mark the start of a number of Remembrance events across the borough.

Because of coronavirus and the lockdown restrictions many events have been cancelled and now even fewer gatherings are likely to take place privately because of the limitations on numbers of people meeting when lockdown steps up to the new levels on Thursday.

However, today saw local councillors and residents come together to pay their tribute in a Grays park, where a bench that once sat in the Remembrance Garden in Mulberry Square next to the Civic Offices is now located.

Julia Campbell and Susan Burns are members of Grays-based knitting group Needles & Chat and they said: "We a local knitting group who wanted to give something to remember and honour our brave heroes in the Forces.

"As well as decorating the Mulberry Bench here in Kilverts Field, we have made woollen poppies for sale, with all the proceeds going to the Royal British Legion.

"We will be back here annually, and intend to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day Mulberry Landings in June and the period of Remembrance in November."

Grays Riverside ward councillors Martin Kerin and Tony Fish attended today's socially distanced gathering and Cllr Fish said: "This bench is much-loved in Grays. It is used by our residents both as a spot for rest and reflection, and as a place to honour the fallen.

"When we rescued this bench from the demolition of Mulberry Square, we knew that it would be loved and respected here on Kilverts Field.

"It is our intention to return, year after year, to remember the heroes of the D-Day Mulberry Landings, and to honour the fallen of all the conflicts that have been fought for our freedom."