MEMBERS of around 100 families that make up Thurrock's Nepalese community celebrated their national Dashain celebration with a party at Chadwell St Mary's Village Hall.

Many dressed in their colourful national costume for an evening of dance and entertainment, with guests from the local community including MP Andrew Mackinlay and representatives of the Royal British Legion.

Also in attendance as Thurrock's hate crime liasion oficer PC Tess Wisby and Thurrock Gazette editor Neil Speight.

"This was a wonderful evening. A real opportunity to celebrate with our Nepalese friends, a community who through their service with the Gurkha regiment have contributed so much to this country.

"It was a delight and an honour to be invited to spend a wonderful, colourful evening with them," said Mr Mackinlay.