A SPECIAL Christmas message to children and families in Thurrock has been aired by the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock.

Because of Covid-19 the club is not able to run its usual Santa Sleigh runs - and hold its annual Christmas concert.

However, the club is looking online to get its Christmas greetings across - and ask borough residents to donate to the good causes it supports.

A club statement says: "We cannot take Santa around the streets of Thurrock this year but he has told us in an exclusive interview that nothing will stop him from visiting you all on the 24th. He has told us that he and his elves have been working hard making toys for all the good children of Thurrock.

"So be good and Santa will visit you all this Christmas.

"We know that many of you will have been saving your pennies ready to donate to our sleigh collections so why not make that donation on our Just Giving page."