Thurrock's Mayor held a special reception to congratulate voluntary groups have been honoured with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Services. 

Councillor Barbara Rice held the reception to honour the three Thurrock groups who received the award - the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. 

The three groups are:

·       One Community Development Trust, Tilbury

·       Thurrock Mind

·       Stanford, Corringham and Tilbury Community First Responders

One Community Development Trust, Thurrock Mind, and the Stanford, Corringham and Tilbury Community First Responders will receive the Award from Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, later this summer.

Mrs Rice said: “It is an incredible achievement to be awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Thurrock was the only area in Essex that made nominations last year.

“I very much enjoyed meeting the groups today and hearing more about their support to our local communities. They have every reason to be proud and, as a borough, we are proud of their contribution and achievements.”