LADY Basildon has praised the work a co-operative trust is doing at three schools in East Thurrock.

The former MP Baroness Angela Smith visited St Clere’s School in Stanford-le-Hope and East Tilbury junior and infants school.

The schools have a relationship where the East Tilbury schools act as a feeder for St Clere’s through the Co-Operative Academy Trust.

Baroness Smith said: “This was a really good and enjoyable visit. There’s a real buzz about the place. I was very impressed.”