THE efforts of the volunteers who run and fundraise for Thurrock Neighbourhood Watch have been praised by the county's police commissioner and his deputy.

The organisation, which continues to expand across the borough by introducing new local watch schemes has once again produced a free calendar which is now available for distribution.

It was produced thanks to support for a third consecutive year by Lycamobile UK Ltd and contains useful community information designed to help local residents feel safer in their communities.

Thurrock Neighbourhood watch is currently celebrating its 31st year of helping local people and its members hope the 5,000 copies of the calendar now available to local residents will continue to help make a difference.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, is a keen supporter of the calendar and said: "Thurrock Neighbourhood Watch is really committed to helping local residents feel safer in their communities.

"I am delighted to once again endorse this calendar. It's a useful tool for residents and local businesses and helps to raise the profile of the great work that Neighbourhood Watch members do, especially in these times when community support is so vital."

His deputy, Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, supported Mr Hirst's view and added: "We are proud to be able to support both the Thurrock Neighbourhood Watch and all of the Watches across Essex.

"All of the volunteers do a great job, giving up so much of their own time to help others. On behalf of the people of Essex, thank you."

If you would like to get involved in Thurrock Neighbourhood Watch contact the team via the Essex Neighbourhood Watch website.

The work carried out by Neighbourhood Watch was detailed by Kevin Blake, Essex Police's local Neighbourhood Watch liaison officer who said: "I am one of four Essex Watch Liaison Officers employed by Essex Police and one of our main duties is to facilitate NHW through the county.

"We work closely with all members and are visibly active with major events all year round promoting not just NHW but other watch schemes we support include dogs, rural and farm, heritage, caravan and marine to name but a few. We pass on crime data for each area plus notify members if there are any scams that taking place."

The calendar was created by Aveley and Uplands Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Srikanth Panjala and produced for free by Lycamobile UK.

Mr Panjala said: "I believe firmly "Prevention is better than the cure". Bringing awareness through the New Year calendar will help us keep our members' momentum and spirit throughout the year. It will attract many more people to join Thurrock Neighbourhood Watch for better and safer communities.

"We are going forward to make more awareness of what our members are doing for the Thurrock District to keep the communities safe from crimes and scams. By doing this, we are merging communities into safer ones. The results of us working together is immensely satisfying and we have had many excellent outcomes.

"Even though the home burglary crime rate has reduced, we are still noticing vehicle thefts and regular attempts. Our members feel that if we have CCTVs put at important junctions, roads and police patrolling every now and then, crime rate will reduce to a very low rate."

Thurrock branch chairman Roger Passfield added: "We at Thurrock Neighbourhood Watch have been working harder with increasing membership throughout the year. Thurrock is reaching 31 years, so I would like to take the opportunity by saying that you for your support and if you know someone who is interested in starting a watch then let us know."

To obtain a copy or offer your help to the Watch scheme contact Mr Passfield either by email to [email protected] or calling on 07538195221 or Mr Panjala by email at [email protected] or calling 07878044041.