THURROCK councillor Sue Little has added her vote of thanks to residents across the borough and beyond who supported this year's Give a Gift campaign.

Her praise echoes that of council chief executive Lyn Carpenter as exclusively reported earlier this month on Thurrock Nub News (check out the red button link below).

The Give A Gift store where donations were made was open at intu Lakeside for just two weeks from Monday, 25 November through to Sunday 8 December. Volunteers saw hundreds of visitors choose a star from the Christmas tree, each representing a child in need in Thurrock, before shopping for an age appropriate present to donate.

Since the unit closed, the presents have been moved to the Civic Offices, checked by social work teams, wrapped by council volunteers and hand delivered to the children in time for Christmas day.

Cllr Little, portfolio holder for social care, said: "For the fourth year, Thurrock, our kind, caring and thoughtful community, has embraced Give a Gift with residents and visitors to our borough being so generous donating amazing Christmas presents for children who might not otherwise get a present on Christmas morning.

"Thank you to everyone who donated a gift, our council officer volunteers and of course all the local businesses who have supported the initiative.

"A special thank you to intu Lakeside for providing the retail unit and Tesco Extra Lakeside for the support you provide with logistics of moving so many presents, we couldn't do it without you."