THURROCK mayor Cllr Terry Piccolo has paid tribute to the way council staff, volunteers and the emergency services have tackled the coronavirus crisis.

Cllr Piccolo and his deputy, Cllr Sue Shinnick, have been given the opportunity to have a second year in office following the council's decision to scrap its annual meeting and mayor-making.

Cllr Piccolo said: "I had not expected to be Mayor for another year but we are living in unprecedented times where a great many things cannot carry on as normal.

"I will therefore be honoured to continue in my role for another year and when the current situation has come to an end I will look forward to continuing to visit the many community groups, schools and businesses that make Thurrock the wonderful place that it is.

"I will also look forward to thanking all of them for the tremendous role they have played as the borough and country has dealt with this pandemic.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all council staff, the emergency services, supermarket staff and the volunteers who, along with the NHS, are doing a sterling job during these difficult times."

Cllr Sue Shinnick said: "I had been looking forward to becoming Mayor of Thurrock and celebrating the borough and all the fantastic people that live here and I still look forward to taking up that important role in 2021.

"Nothing can carry on as normal at the moment and I fully understand why these difficult decisions have to be taken. It will be my honour to continue as Deputy Mayor, serving the people of Thurrock during this difficult time.

"I would also like to thank and pay tribute to all frontline workers, volunteers and NHS staff for all that they are doing for us as the country deals with this crisis."