Three times a week, Thurrock's former mayor, Sue Gray, gets her apron on alongside her partner, Tony, and rustles up roast dinners for elderly diners.

But this dining experience, called Plates with Mates, is more than just sliced pork and Yorkshire puddings, it is an opportunity for people to share stories of their past and generally natter about their day-to-day lives.

Jayne Matthews (who also goes by the stage name of Jayne Jones), 73, from South Ockendon, said: "Coming here gives me the chance to get out of the house and meet new people."

Her friend Joyce, 80, also from South Ockendon, added: "I get out of the house a lot, but coming here gives me the chance to meet people who live in the same town as me."

People who have not seen each other for decades are even reunited over a hot roast dinner and a bit of fruitcake.

May Barford, 92, who has lived in Aveley since she was five-years-old, was reunited with a friend from Aveley Village School.

She said: "I bumped into Bert New here and I said, 'you used to be the head boy' and he said 'yes, and you used to be the head girl'."

Sue Gray, formerly a Labour councillor for the Belhus Ward, loves what she does, calling the people she cooks for "just magical".

Although, she also notices why gatherings like these are necessary today with an ever-growing elderly population, a lot of whom have become lonely and unwell.

Some of Sue's diners suffer from dementia.

She said: "Bert New, the former head boy who comes here, has dementia.

"He has been married for almost 67 years but he can't remember who his wife is so she doesn't feel like she can celebrate their wedding anniversary because he doesn't know who she is anymore.

"That's why I do this; I need to help people like them."

As people grow older, they unfortunately lose those around them.

Plates with Mates gives those who are lonely the opportunity to socialise with new people.

Lillian Perrin, 98, who has been a resident at Broome Place home for 34 years, said: "We used to play bingo but a lot of people have gone so we don't really have anybody to play with anymore."

Plates with Mates are now looking for volunteers to join them. They have luncheons every Monday, The Rowans in Aveley, Thursday at the Jack Evans Housing in South Ockendon and Friday at Benyon Court in South Ockendon.

You can also contact Sue and Tony at Plateswithmates@aol.com.