THERE were fond farewells in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham today (Tuesday, 24 December) as a much valued and highly respected member of the local charity community said goodbye to the borough.

For the past six years Caroline Mitchell has managed the two Havens Hospice ships in the East Thurrock towns, and today was her last in charge as she will be taking up a new role in Norfolk shortly.

Caroline, who moved from Grays to Stanford in 2018, after working for Havens for two years, says she has made many friends in Stanford and Corringham and paid tribute to their caring communities.

On her final day, spent in the Stanford shop on King Street, Caroline said: "It's been so lovely working here, getting to know so many people. I have made so many friends through working at the two shops, both staff, volunteers and members of the local community.

"However, I was offered an opportunity to move on and work for the Sue Ryder charity and will be moving to Norfolk to start my new role after the holiday. I will miss everybody I have worked with and come to know, it's been a lovely experience and I cannot speak highly enough of the local caring communities of Stanford and Corringham."

Colleague Franky Turpin said: "It's been great working with Caroline. She has been amazing and she will be missed but I am sure the whole community wishes her well in her new role."