CONCERNED operators and users of a village hall have arranged a pre-Christmas fundraising event to help fund new security arrangements and CCTV to help keep vandals at bay.

Thurrock Nub News recently reported on vandalism and n attempted break-in at East Tilbury Village Hall.

The hall's secretary, Jane Trott, says an appeal for help to combat the vandals made to Thurrock Council has fallen on deaf ears.

"We would like to install CCTV and a caged exit at rear of building following the attempted break in and arson. We are having to do this ourselves as the council will not help," she told Nub News.

And to help make that happen the hall will play host to a Christmas Fete on Sunday, 28 November. It will run from 10am to 5pm.

The event will include a Santa's Grotto, a raffle, silent auction, children's costume competition and will feature many stalls, while refreshments will be available.

There will be a £1 admission fee, children will be admitted free. Entry to Santa's Grotto, which includes a gift, is £6 and slots can be pre-booked. Email easttilburyvillagehall.com.