GENEROUS staff working to convert Coryton oil refinery into a state-of-the-art oil port have donated dozens of presents to some of the borough's most deprived children.

Worker's on the Thames Oil Port staff council organised the donation by buying presents that children looked after by Thurrock's social services had asked for.

Other gifts were brought in by thoughtful individuals working on the Manorway site in Stanford-le-Hope, which is being redeveloped ahead of the Thames Oil Port's opening early next year.

Council staff collected the hoard of gifts last Wednesday and will be delivering the bundle of gifts ahead of Christmas day.

Cllr Bukky Okunade, the council’s lead on children’s social care said: “On behalf of the social care team I would like to thank everyone at Thames Oilport for their amazing generosity.

“Many of the most needy children we work with are facing difficult times and this helps ensure they will have a memorable and happy Christmas.

“This generosity and commitment really sums up the true spirit of Christmas.”

She added: “Social workers have an incredibly difficult job and seeing the children's faces light up with joy when they get the chance to play Santa gives them a well deserved, tremendous boost.”

David Carter, general manager at Thames Oil Port, said: “We are very happy to support community decisions made by our staff representatives of the works council.”