HUNDREDS of Thurrock families will get a better meal this Christmas thanks to the efforts of staff at DP World's London Gateway logistics hub.

London Gateway has donated the equivalent of more than 1,000 meals through food parcels gifted by employees and their families as part of the annual Winter Wonderland celebrations at London Gateway, where they enjoyed a range of festive attractions including fairground rides, Santa's grotto, food stalls and a fireworks display.

Gateway's near neighbours, Corringham-based Thurrock Foodbank, is handling the distribution of the food and its Pathfinder Lead & Operations Manager Peter Newall, said: "We are so grateful for all the support from the directors and employees at DP World London Gateway for the huge donation from their Winter Wonderland celebrations towards the work of Thurrock Foodbank.

"The continued support of DP World enables us to make a huge difference in the community we serve, providing them hope for a better future and demonstrates that people do care."

Workers at London Gateway have helped lighten the Christmas load for many local families.

Donations in Thurrock were matched by those at DP World's facilities in Southampton and in total 3,000 meals have been gifted.

Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive Officer for Ports & Terminals at DP World in the UK, said: "It is fantastic to see the incredible support we've been able to provide to households across the regions where we operate during the festive period.

"I'm very proud of our employees and their families who made the food donations and ensured that the Winter Wonderlands at Southampton and London Gateway were another massive success."