AWARD-winning writer, Lara Maiklem - known as the London Mudlark, was guest speaker at a packed event hosted by Thurrock Yacht Club last night (Friday, 29 July).

Lara spoke about the history of mudlarking - how it started with people collecting lumps of coke and coal to scrape a living through to modern day historians.

As well as showing, and discussing, many of her fascinating finds - everything from clay pipes to coins, shoes and even human remains - Lara revealed that her grandparents were from Grays and gave an intriguing hint about the subject of her next book - the story of a skull, nicknamed, Fred that Lara found a couple of years ago.

Last night's event was organised by the Riverside Community Big Local which is hosting a series of book events, aimed at children, throughout August.