A memorial service will be held next week to remember the life of much-loved Thurrock historian Jonathan Catton who passed away on August 25.

The Catton family are inviting those who wish to pay their respects to the author, columnist and historian to St Peter & St Paul Church in Grays next Thursday at 12.15pm.

A wake will be held afterwards in the Whitmore Suite at the Orsett Hall to which all are also welcome, the family said, until 5.30pm.

A spokeswoman for the family said: “We would like to thank everyone for their kind words, cards, tributes and offers of help which has been a great comfort to Linda, Peter, Edward and the rest of the family."

The family added they would be having a private cremation for family and close friends only in the morning prior to the church service.

The family have requested no flowers and instead have invited people to make a donation to the British Heart Foundation via West & Co at the church collection or otherwise.

A ‘Gunfire with the Garrison’ event will also be held and dedicated in Jonathan's memory at Tilbury Fort on September 24.