A THURROCK councillor has called time on a popular community activity after being trolled on social media.

For many years Cllr Shane Ralph, who represents the Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham Town ward, has come up with activities and fundraising events for the community that have proved popular.

In the past, as well as driving around the coast of the UK and breaking his fear of flying by taking part in a 'charity jailbreak' to raise funds for the town's Hardie Park that saw him end up in Sweden, one of the most popular activities has been creating and placing small figures at locations around the area for children (and adults) to find on treasure hunts.

His latest creations were small ceramic figures that featured an NHS logo.

However, having alerted the community that a new hunt was to take place, he became the subject of negative comments about breaking coronavirus guidelines - despite the fact the figures are all disinfected before being placed in location.

Cllr Ralph is no stranger to controversy, or being the subject of local criticism. After his community efforts won him a place in the hearts of voters and a seat on the council as an independent candidate, he shocked and surprised many people by later joining the Conservative group.

It would be fair to say he has become something of a 'marmite' figure in the busy virtual world of Stanford-le-Hope but this latest criticism appears to have touched a nerve and he has said: "Due to the negative comments I received about hiding my clay figures during this pandemic (all were totally disinfected) I stopped putting them out.

"I have now edited them and will be passing them over to a school tomorrow."

He has immediately garnered lots of support and encouragement with many people asking him to continue placing the figures and paying tribute to his work. One resident said: "So sad that certain people have made you feel like that Shane. We have loved collecting your little figures over the years. Well done for all you have done."

And it appears the move to adapt and donate the figures to Arthur Buglar primary school has proved popular with another resident writing: "I didn't see the negative comments (but can believe it happened).

"My two children over the years collected a few from a young age and loved it.

codes) they still wonder and ask if the codes were hidden by you as well.

"I'm so sorry but also a bit excited as I think I can see where they are going and we are connected to there so every cloud has a silver lining. Thank you so much, it's appreciated here."