THURROCK MP Jackie-Doyle Price was visibly emotional this afternoon as she took part in a commemorative service for a local organisation in Grays just 48 hours after the murder of her close friend and fellow South Essex MP Sir David Amess.

The occasion was the 75th anniversary of Grays Thurrock RAF Association branch at its club on Southend Road.

The service involved the presentation of a commemorative tassel for the branch's standard, the presentation of a certificate by Ms Doyle-Price to club president Jim Gooding and a blessing of the standard and rededication of the branch by its padre, Maureen McPherson.

Squadron leader Ramon Willans, one of the longest serving members of the branch, who can recall its opening when he was a young boy in Grays, adorned the standard with its new tassel.

Mr Gooding spoke briefly about his pride in the branch and its longevity at a time when so many other branches, clubs and service organisations have closed down.

Ms Doyle-Price spoke of the importance of such an event on a weekend marred by the circumstances surrounding Sir David's death which she briefly referenced before saying: "It's a great pleasure to be able to present this on the occasion of the 75th anniversary. This club is an oasis where people can come and get together with friends and where we can remember those that have left us. It is a real pleasure to be here."

Ms Doyle-Price's appearance at the public event with member of her constituency came less than two hours after Home Secretary Priti Patel spoke about the role of MPs. She told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: "We're here to serve, we're here to be accessible to the British public."