A CATWALK pageant held recently in Thurrock has proved a major boost for a number of local good causes.

The much-delayed event organised by young community stalwart Courtney-Lee Collins, a recipient last year of the British Empire Medal for her commitment to good causes in the borough , finally managed to hold the event at the Thurrock Hotel. It had been delayed 17 months due to Covid-19.

Alongside the event Courtney-Lee and helpers ran various competitions and fundraising drives to encourage people to donate and she says: "We are absolutely thrilled how many good causes we managed to raise funds for and donate items to."

The beneficiaries include:

• THURROCK FOODBANK – 1,481 items donated, weighing 735.10kg (just under 3/4 of a ton)
• BASILDON & THURROCK HOSPITAL CHILDRENS WARDS - 647 new items of books, games, art supplies etc.
• RE-ENGAGE THURROCK - £223 raised from the raffle. They've said it will be enough to take their elderly members on an outing.
• HEART ON DISPLAY - £100 donated to an organisation raising money to buy defibrillators.
• THE SALVATION ARMY - an overall total sent to them of £2,719.06

Courtney-Lee added: "We are going to do another similar event in January and hope to be able to help some more good causes then."

In the pageant 56 contestants (to boys and girls, men and women) aged from three to 50 took part in three rounds. Unlike traditional 'beauty' pageants there is no judgement on beauty and everyone is welcome, regardless of age, gender, shape, size or disabilities.

If anyone is interested in competing at another event to be held in January you can contact the organisers at [email protected]