IT'S been a week of contrasting stories in Thurrock - but the happy news is much of the bad news has been overshadowed by the good!.

For example, earlier in the week Nub News reported on the shocking behaviour of arsonists who set light to playing equipment for children that had been stored at Chadwell St Mary, ready for installation on the Heath.

Thousands of pounds of damage was caused and the project has now been delayed.

But the community is already rallying round and a fundraising fun event has been arranged for later this month.

At the weekend we also reported on a massive fire that threatened a home and church near Coalhouse Fort, but they were saved by the combined efforts of dozens of brave firefighters, local residents and a farming family.

Finnlay Lowe.

And, in the wake of a heartwrenching tragedy which saw a young Thurrock man killed, his mum has spoken up to say how much the care and support of the local community has meant to her family.

The funeral of much-loved Finnlay Lowe will take place next week and is set to be a celebration of his life. A statement released by his family reads: "We are devastated by the loss of our son, brother, grandson and nephew, Finnlay. 

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"Finnlay lived and loved with his whole being. He was full of adventure, kindness and a friendliness that drew people to him, with a natural ability to make people smile.

"Finn loved being outside, whether he was learning new tricks at the skate park, teaching a youngster how to ride or running, which he did competitively with Thurrock Harriers.

"We have had shared with us a multitude of personal messages from people who he made a difference to and we will treasure each one, whether they made us laugh or cry, every message made us proud of the man that he had become. He leaves us with lots of memories."

It's also been A Level results week and Thurrock Nub News has been delighted to report on local outcomes - and the successes and continuing ambitions of some of our local youngsters.

Evita Keblyte

And another shining young star making the news has been Evita Keblyte, 12, who has received a Jack Petchey Award for her outstanding efforts for the local environment.

Ongoing concerns about Corringham's Gable Hall School have been somewhat alleviated with news this week of the appointment of an interim head and the announcement of a series of open meetings with parents due to take place next week.

We've also continued to follow the legal wrangles of the missing millions at cash-strapped Thurrock Council.

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The clock continues to tick down towards the Orsett Show and this week news was announced of a talent competition taking place throughout the day - and here's your chance to enter.

And to round off our summary about how a positive outlook can come from a negative incident, we reported on the bright future now for a young man who was seriously injured in an industrial accident - but a legal decision has now opened up a huge range of opportunities.