AN appeal to Basildon residents to help casual workers whose ability to earn has been badly damaged by Covid-19 has hit its target.

Over the festive period Basildon mayor Cllr David Burton-Sampson, used the Mayor's Charity Appeal Trust to launched the 'Keep The Lights On' appeal to support the borough's casual workers in the hospitality industry.

The crowdfunding campaign was to raise funds to support casual workers who were unable to work and gain access to financial support from the government, in a period that would normally be the busiest time of their year.

Thanks to the generosity of residents and businesses in the borough - the 'Keep the Lights On' initiative reached its appeal target of £25,000 by raising a total of £25,130 from 111 donors.

Cllr Burton-Sampson, said: "I have to say a massive thank you to each and every person who has donated to this important cause. To raise £25,130 at a time like this is a testament to the warmth and graciousness of the Basildon community.

"It shows how much the residents and businesses of our borough appreciate the work of our bar, pub and restaurant staff, and understands the difficult situation those workers find themselves in at the moment.

"100 per cent of the funds raised via the crowdfunding appeal will go to casual workers in the hospitality industry living in the Basildon borough."

Details on how to apply for the fund will be released next week. To find out more about the campaign click here.