EASTER has brought a new start for a Tilbury business targeted by ram raiders.

Moylers Convenience Store on Calcutta Road has been closed for several weeks following the devastating raid when thieves drove a vehicle into the shop frontage, raiding the shop and causing substantial damage.

Owner Ranjan Moylers described the incident as heartbreaking and, for a while he wasn't sure if he had the heart to carry on the business.

However, he persevered and with the support of family, friends and customers a new shop frontage has been installed and Ranjan took the opportunity to refurbish the rest of the store.

Today (Sunday, 4 April), he reopened for the first time since the raid and welcomed back his regular customers.

"I can't describe what it was like to get the news of the raid," he said. "We got the call from police just after 1am and went down to the store. What we saw was heartbreaking, complete devastation. I just did not know where to turn and whether it was worth going on, but we decided we should and now I am pleased that we did - I look forward to welcoming customers back to the store."

A man has been charged in connection with the raids and awaits trial.