THE man at the helm, of a leading educational trust in Thurrock has spoken of his pride in the staff, pupils, parents and careers associated with the schools under its control.

Kevin Sadler is the chief executive of the Gateway Learning Community Trust which runs the Gateway Academy and a number of primary schools in the Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary area.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic staff at the schools have regularly provided food, clothing and even computers for struggling families, but with the prospect of widespread hunger over the Christmas period, senior leaders set an ambitious target of raising £5,000 in two weeks to provide Christmas food parcels for 200 local families.

The fundraising initiative was given a significant boost in the early days with a donation of £2,000 from the Port of Tilbury. And GLC staff members dug deep once again with over £6,000 raised by the deadline.

200 families were contacted to ask if they would like to receive a donation.

Mr Sadler said: "It was truly shocking to see so many families on the edge. Many parents have lost their jobs or have been furloughed and are now struggling to make ends meet. I am so proud of how GLC staff have worked hard to keep our schools open during the pandemic and now have gone the extra mile to ensure our families are supported."