TRIBUTE has been paid to the work of a local photographer whose work has helped keep a smile on the face of borough residents.

Rob Lay, from Chadwell St Mary, was recently invited to the Mayor's Parlour at Thurrock Council's Civic Offices to receive a Certificate of Recognition.

It was presented by borough mayor Cllr Kairen Raper as a way of thanking amateur snapper Rob for his efforts and congratulating him on the quality of his photography.

Rob spends much of his spare time in the rural areas around Chadwell, East Tilbury and Tilbury taking pictures of local wildlife and scenic shots – then publishing them on social media for the local communities to enjoy.

Rob flanked by the Mayor, Cllr Kairen Raper, and Cllr Sara Muldowney.

He was nominated for his efforts by Chadwell councillor Sara Muldowney.

Cllr Muldowney said: "It was an absolute pleasure to join Rob and his wife Kiley as they accepted this Award. 

"Rob is well known and loved in the Chadwell St Mary Community.

"During COVID lockdown his pictures of our open spaces and local wildlife, taken on the daily hour of exercise we were allowed to do at the time, lifted us all up and reminded us that there was still beauty and joy in the world.

"He also dressed up in a dinosaur costumes to entertain local kids stuck inside on his estate.

"Rob regularly has his pictures featured on TV news programmes as the background to weather reports.

"Always civic-minded, Rob regularly reports issues with flytipping and littering he sees on his regular nature photography walks and is a mine of information about local wildlife.

"A well-deserved award and recognition for one of the nicest people you will ever meet."

Rob said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Muldowney and the mayor for the honour in recognition for the photography I do around the area, sharing what wildlife I see through my lens.

"I find it is important to share and let others know it is not all doom and gloom out there and there is a lot of good and hope to reach out to the next generation of naturalists.

"I share photographs from my own wildlife garden to residents across Thurrock on social media such as X, Facebook, Chadwell St Mary past and present and Instagram and would also thank Thurrock Nub News for publishing some of them.

Rob and Kiley

"I would also like to thank my wife Kiley for being there and supporting me. She has been my rock and been by my side though ups and downs with my epilepsy.

"Photography for me is great for mental health even if you don't want to try photography just getting outside for 30 minutes to a hour does your mental health a world of good."

Cllr Raper said: "I was delighted to recognise the contribution to the community made by Rob Lay.

"He played a big part in keeping people's spirits up through Covid and continues to work to spread a love of and appreciation of nature with his photography."

Rob's work on Nub News recently including capturing the Northern Lights and the passing of a Spanish Galleon.

And his pictures have regularly helped local charities raise funds – including supplying images for Haven Hospice's fundraising diary in 2022.