VOLUNTEERS who help to run the Lightship Cafe, at Grays Beach, have been recognised for keeping it open to the public.

A group of 30 have kept the cafe open on Saturdays since January, providing a selection of meals, including men’s breakfasts and women’s cream teas. The cafe has now been handed back to Thurrock Council to keep it running.

Mayor Tony Fish visited the cafe to present a certificate to the volunteers and to thank them for their efforts.