RESIDENTS of Orsett now have a permanent reminder of the efforts of essential workers from the NHS and other emergency teams, to shopkeepers and delivery drivers during the darkest days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

And at the same time they can remember the residents that lost their lives during that time.

Three rainbow benches have been placed in Orsett village and at the Bonners estate thanks to an appeal by the Orsett Forum.

A fund-raising event at Orsett Masonic Hall and a sponsorship from highway contractors Kier has resulted in the three benches being installed by Thurrock Council workers.

"Although some people were surprised by the bright colours, they are a real reflection of the rainbow imagery used to support the key workers," said Orsett Forum chair Angela Wilson.

"The seats will give people the opportunity to reflect and to remember those we lost."

At a special unveiling at Orsett Rec, Angela was joined by Steve Mack, the project director of the A13 widening project at Kier.

Mr Mack said: "Kier is committed to giving back to the community in the areas where we are working. When we were asked to support the Orsett Forum and the fantastic NHS by sponsoring the benches, we were only too happy to help."

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Local councillor Sue Little and members of the Orsett Forum pentanque group applauded the new benches. The Forum is currently seeking support to build a petanque (boules) terrain on the Rec close to the benches.