THURROCK is getting set to pay tribute to one of its most loved characters next week.

Peter Hewitt MBE died recently, prompting a host of messages of sympathy and many stories about him as people from across Thurrock remembered his work for the Tilbury community.

His funeral will take place on Tuesday (26 May). Because of the coronavirus social distancing guidelines attendance at his service will be limited.

However, his funeral cortege will pass through Tilbury and local people are being invited to line the streets to pay tribute.

Peter will leave Byron Gardens at 10.30am and the cortege will proceed down Brennan Road towards Civic Square.

It will encircle Civic Square passing the clock tower where his beloved Christmas lights are turned on every year.

He will then proceed down St Chad's Road to Chadwell St Mary cemetery.

Peter's widow, Irene has expressed her support for the many kind words and tributes and all the support she has received.

Any flowers must be sent to Brands funeral parlour.