The Give a Gift store had its grand opening on Tuesday, with Councillor Sue Little cutting the ribbon.

Councillor Little said: “It was brilliant last year, 3,500 presents were collected, and it was great that intu Lakeside has allowed us to do this here.

"We would not have been able to do this if it wasn't for the community in Thurrock.

"What we need now is for people to come and take a star or donate necessary items such as wrapping paper."

In order to take part in the Give a Gift scheme, participants must collect one of two coloured stars.

Each star has a young person's name on it.

If the star is coloured red, then participants give the person named a present, and if the star is gold, then participants are expected to donate money to the person named.

Local building firm, H.W. Wilson also helped out in setting up the shop.

Managing Director, Peter Wiffen, said: "We are a local company and this is a local cause.

"I think all companies, especially at Christmas, should give back to the local community."