The Fun Palace at Thameside theatre has been hailed as a success by the council, with one councillor describing it as a "day buzzing with laughter and activity."

On 7 October, Grays Library transformed into a ‘Fun Palace’  to celebrate national Fun Palace weekend.

Members of the local community took over Grays Library and shared their skills and passion for their hobbies and businesses.

Visitors were encouraged to take part in playing chess and Space Battleships as well as knitting, cross stitching, turning newspapers into baskets and even trying out forest skills in a Yurt outside on Orsett Road.

Children took part in Zumba, ‘Junior Kids’ with Creative Blast and professional photographer, Jen Farrant, was on hand to show how to take great photographs on your smartphone.

Many children and adults also decided to dress up with the aid of the uniforms from Coalhouse Fort.

Portfolio Holder for education, Cllr James Halden said: “It was a day buzzing with laughter and activity where informal learning and enjoyment came together with the local community sharing their skills.

“Events like this dispel myths that libraries are just big rooms full of shelves and dusty books. In Thurrock, the library offer is modern, interactive, fun and educational.

“My thanks to all who took part – the makers and the doers, to make this a fun day out for all – thank you.”

For information about whats happening at your local library, visit: thurrock.gov.uk/libraries