THE end of an all too brief but memorable era for a Thurrock milkman and community stalwart is about to happen.

Paul Luke is well known in the east of Thurrock for his work in the local area as the man behind the 'Bee Kind' charity which won many plaudits and even awards for supporting the community.

A self-confessed milk fanatic with a private collection of more than 12,000 milk bottles, Paul began to live a long held dream in 2018 when he launched EcoFresh – a local dairy service delivering milk and other products on a daily basis.

He combined his business with spreading local cheer and was featured by the BBC for his community work, which included delivering gifts to 3,500 vulnerable people in his first Christmas on his float. Mr Luke, from Corringham, was also nominated for the "Heart of Gold" award for his community efforts.

In January last year he was praised by police for his efforts in helping a woman he found in distress during the early hours. And in December 21 he was also in the right place at the right time, discovering and then counselling a man who was on the brink of taking his own life by jumping off a bridge.

The EcoFesh float was a popular sight on borough roads - espcially when it was decorated at Christmas.

However, Mr Luke's business venture has now been brought to a halt by a combination of factors as pressures on the local economy continue to bite and rising prices take their toll.

Mr Luke is winding up his business, though he will still be staying in the milk business and serving many of his current customers as his round is being incorporated into the neighbouring Collins Dairy – and he will be joining their team.

He has realsed a video message to his customers and says: "The odds have been stacked against us for some time. Fuel costs, energy costs, staffing issues, the list goes on. People are tightening their belts and looking at what they can or cannot afford.

"I have decided to cease trading as EcoFresh Dairies. It's been a long and difficult decision to make but the good news – at least I hope it's good news for customers – is that I will still be about, working for Collins Dairies and nothing much is going to change for many customers."