Thurrock Councillor Bukky Okunade went to special celebrations at Westminster Palace of Westminster on Wednesday to mark the UK's first children's charity anniversary.

The event was put on to celebrate the 275th anniversary of the country’s first dedicated children's charity - Coram.

The event was an opportunity to network with 'innovative' adoption services run by the charity.

Councillor Bukky Okunade, portfolio holder for children's social care, was at the celebration hosted by the Earl of Listowel and Lord O’Donnell, and said she was “delighted” to be invited.

She said: “In its modern guise, Coram has done some excellent parenting work supporting Thurrock families.

“Adoption services across the country – not just here in Thurrock – are under all sorts of pressure.

"To increase Thurrock’s pool and diversity of possible adoption candidates and increasing post-adoption support, we are looking at developing stronger partnerships in the delivery of local adoption services.

“Coram is a leading innovator in this area and Wednesday was a great chance to meet with their executives and discuss ideas.”

Now known as 'Coram', the charity was established by Thomas Coram as the Foundling Hospital, London’s first home for babies whose mothers were unable to care for them.

Thomas Coram ran a 19-year campaign which culminated in a Royal Charter signed by King George II in 1739.