A CEREMONY took place yesterday (Thursday, 30 September) to honour three priests who have been awarded the Freedom of Thurrock.

It was held at the South Essex College in Grays when the honour was bestowed on Rev John Guest, Canon Brian O'Shea and posthumously to Father Paul Dynan.

The awards were announced in May last year but because of the Covid restrictions it has taken almost 18 months to arrange the presentation ceremony.

Father Dynan, who was priest at Stanford's Our Lady and St Joseph Roman Catholic Church passed away shortly before the public announcement of the award but he was aware of the honour before he died.

Michael and Jay Dynan accepted the award on behalf of their father.

Both Rev Guest, who served for more than two decades at vicar of St Margaret's Church, also in Stanford-le-Hope, retired last year while Father O'Shea who served for many years at St Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church in Grays has also now retired.

At the time of the awards, then Mayor Cllr Terry Piccolo said: "The Freedom of the Borough is an honour held in the highest esteem, and is bestowed to individuals so we can publicly recognise their invaluable contributions to our borough's civic and pastoral community."

Current Mayor Cllr Sue Shinnock who presented the awards yesterday said: "This is a fitting tribute to all three clergymen who have had a notable and lasting impact on the Thurrock residents they have supported over many years. They deserve to be recognised for their efforts and we offer this award as a token of our gratitude."

Deputy Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr James Halden, was also in attendance at the event. He said: "This award speaks to the testament of these three great men and the fantastic work they've done to achieve the Freedom of the Borough. By recognising their outstanding contribution to our community with this esteemed award we can ensure they remain an inspiration to us all."

The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour a council can bestow and has previously been awarded to:

The Thurrock Branch of the Burma Association – 26 November 2008

Mrs Dorothy Coker – 26 September 2001

215 Essex Squadron – 28 June 1986