GRAYs businessman and community supporter Abdul Bashir has been recognised for his contribution to the borough by its MP, Jen Craft.

Mrs Craft is running a "community champion" scheme, allowing local people to nominate someone who they think deserves some recognition for their efforts to support local people.

And one of the first to be highlighted is 'Abbs' who operates the Desi restaurant on Orsett Road but is also very engaged with supporting local good causes.

He regularly offers food to those in need through giveaways of hot meals and food packages from the restaurant.

He helped elderly residents throughout the covid pandemic, fundraises for many local charities and organises events for them at the popular restaurant, and during the heatwave he organised the distribution of 7,000 free ice creams for primary school children!

Mrs Craft said: "I started giving out these community champion certificates because I wanted a chance to celebrate the people who make Thurrock, Thurrock.

"If you know someone you think deserves some recognition, please do get in touch to nominate them – [email protected]."