AS Thurrock comes to terms with its first confirmed case of coronavirus and groups and individuals across the borough are starting to come together to organize support networks for people who are self-isolating a borough school has decided it's time to try and raise spirits.

Arthur Bugler School in Stanford-le-Hope is renowned as one the country's 'happiest schools' and staff there say it's important to keep the community together and so have issued a 'pep talk' video.

Teacher Lucy Chipperfield says: "We thought it might be nice to spread a bit of happiness throughout Thurrock so other schools could feel a bit of positivity from the pep talk too!

When times are uncertain we need to work together. There's nothing our community can't get through. We are never alone."

Arthur Bugler is a sister school within the Thurrock-based Osborne Trust to Grays Thameside School, which announced today (Sunday, 15 March) has closed for the next two days for a deep clean after a member of staff had contact with an infected victim.

Meanwhile, in Stanford-le-Hope people are coming together to form help networks to support local older people living on their own, particularly as the it is being recommended that anyone over 70 self-isolates.

The move is being coordinated by local councillor Shane Ralph who is drawing up a list of people who will be available to help. He already has several hundred offers.

Similar messages are on social media in other parts of the borough. If you are organising an event or a support network and need to spread the word, please do so by posting your news or information at Thurrock Nub News via our unique Nubit button. It's free and you will be reaching thousands of people who read our site daily.

For information about coronavirus and links to latest updates visit Thurrock Nub News' guide HERE

Coronavirus case confirmed in Thurrock Story