THIS weekend brought a very special treat for a host of borough folk who received a gift package from a local charity.

The Re-engage charity, which has a thriving group of volunteers in Thurrock, supports lonely local elderly people by arranging social events, including very popular Sunday tea parties.

Because of Covid-19 this has not been possible for some time, but nevertheless the volunteers have kept in touch with their members and have made as number of previous surprise deliveries.

Yesterday (Saturday, 17 July) brought another surprise with delivery of tea treats, prepared for the charity by Tealightful and taken around the borough to delighted recipients by volunteers.

Regional organiser for the charity, Loraine Coleman says: "Today saw a very special delivery day for all our precious Re-engage tea party guests.

"They all received a delicious Tea Treat delivered by our lovely volunteers. A big and special thank you to Nilo from Tealightful for preparing these tasty tea treats. Each guest received a personalised greeting card hand made by our lovely volunteer Maggie, thank you Maggie.

"And thanks to all our Re-engage group co-ordinators for organising the deliveries and driving and all our volunteer drivers for driving all over Thurrock to distribute the tea treats. Especially with all the roadworks, delays and diversions. I don't know how they managed it.

"It was wonderful to see our tea party guests and lots of happy tears and smiles.

"We are very hopeful that we can start our Sunday tea parties up soon. Lots of love and hugs to all our fabulous volunteers and tea party guests."