COMEDIAN Russell Brand came down to Thurrock this afternoon to meet local school children.

The funnyman, who is currently publicising two new books called Revolution and The Pied Piper of Hamelin visited Thameside Theatre, in Orsett Road, Grays to read to year 7 children from Hathaway Academy.

The writer spoke to passing by locals on his way in to the theatre and when asked what he was doing in his hometown, he answered, “I’m here to discuss economic inequalities.”

Interim Principal, Dave Lee-Allan, said: “It is important that students see reading as being something that everyone does, so it is good that they will get to see someone they know through the media reading.”

Student, Ruby Bridger, added: “It was really inspiring to go and see Russell reading at Thameside Theatre. He comes from Grays and went to our Academy and he is showing us what we can achieve.”

The Gazette also caught the comedian on video speaking with a passer-by called Terry who was telling Brand about his career in writing.