A NUMBER of local good causes have received cheques form the proceeds of the RRotary Club of Mar Dyke Valley's Christmas sleigh runs.

At a presentation evening held at Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club, members of the club distributed the money and representatives of the organisations involved spoke about their work in the local community.

Among recipients was the ReEngage charity (formerly Contact The Elderly) which is growing rapidly and has become one of the borough's most interactive charities.

ReEngage received £500 and co-ordinator Loraine Coleman said: "ReEngage volunteers spent a wonderful festive evening in December supporting the Rotary Club of the MarDyke valley Rotarians collect donations from our very generous Thurrock residents.

"This fabulous donation will go such a long way to reducing isolation and loneliness with our Thurrock residents where we can further enrich their lives with tea parties and special treats.

"A very big thank you to all the wonderful Rotarians from the Mar Dyke Valley who have supported our lovely charity over the years by launching our Thurrock Eight tea party group and inviting us to participate on their Christmas Santa Sleigh Run."

During the pre-Christmas sleigh rides the club covered 28 miles of local roads, bringing Santa to the doorstep over 60 hours.

A spokesperson for the club said: "We want to thank all volunteers for giving up there time and helping with the collection. Thank you so much to everyone who donated this Christmas! Your money is now helping some great causes."