News in Thurrock

THE parents of murdered Grace Millane have spoken emotionally after the man who killed her was found guilty.

Her mother Gill quietly wept as the guilty verdict was delivered after just five hours of deliberations by the jury.

RESIDENTS in Stanford-le-Hope are looking forward to their town being lit up for Christmas.

The event has been organised by the Hope Committee and St Margaret's Church, who have expressed their thanks to sponsors including Wharf Timber and Coryton Environmental.

ON Wednesday, 20 November, more than 2,500 students from schools and colleges across Thurrock attended Opportunity Thurrock, the borough's largest careers and further education exhibitions.

Businesses exhibited from sectors including: construction, creative and cultural, engineering, hospitality, logistics, public services and retail.

STAFF, pupils and parents at Arthur Bugler Primary School in Stanford-le-Hope are celebrating after it was announced it has been shortlisted for the "Happiest School of the Year" Award!

They recognise the happiness heroes in business, the public sector and schools throughout the UK.

THURROCK Choral Society is currently preparing for this year's Christmas Concert which will be held on Sunday, 8 December at Thameside School, Manor Road, Grays, RM17 6EF at 6pm.

Sandra Wilkes, TCS Chairperson says: 'We are very much looking forward to the concert this year as not only will we be singing the traditional Christmas carols (inviting the audience to join us for some of these!) but we are offering a performance of the popular and acclaimed Vivaldi Gloria.

TEN community groups in Thurrock have the opportunity to win £200 IKEA vouchers this Christmas as part of the Giving For Thurrock charitable campaign.

For the first time, groups are asked how they would spend £200 to help their local group and the ten best entries will see their dream shopping list become a reality.

A RECENTLY renamed charity will be one of those to benefit when a Thurrock man switches on his annual Christmas lights.

Switch on of 'Whitmores Winter Wonderland' this year is Sunday, 1 December at 6pm.

AN operation involving British Transport Police officers and c2c officers at Stanford-le-Hope rail station netted 86 fare evaders.

Because of a planned rebuilding of the station which has largely been out on hold, the station has no ticket barriers.

A SECTION of the A13 will once again be closed this weekend to enable major bridge construction works to continue as part of the A13 road widening project.

Traffic will be diverted via the exit slip roads, Orsett Cock roundabout and back onto the A13 via the entry slip roads at the A128 junction.

THE Aveley and Kenningtons Community Forum public meeting held on Tuesday, 19 November at Aveley Football Stadium was attended by more than 75 attendees.

This was followed by a verbal presentation about the Aveley Hub by some members of the Aveley Hub Steering Committee – Natalie Warren of Thurrock Council, Kristina Jackson of Thurrock CVS and Jacqui Payne of ngage.