COASTAL volunteers spoke of the invaluable role they play in keeping people safe.

Paul Roberts, 73, branch secretary of the National Coastwatch on Canvey, met Castle Point mayor Beverley Egan at its base in Haven Road, Canvey.

He told her: "We keep an eye on the River Thames and Holehaven Creek to ensure that both private and commerical vessels are safe.

"If we see anything we think could put people in danger, we alert the emergency services.

"We're all volunteers and we're here eight hours a day from 8am to 4pm, including weekends."

Mrs Egan praised their continued efforts.

She said: "I'm very glad I came here on a bleak day when it's drizzling because you see what a tough job this is.

"Everyone who works here is a volunteer and they turn up in winter when it's cold and dark, to keep watch of the Thames.

"This is a very busy estuary for both leisure and commerical purposes and I don't think people always appreciate that we have these volunteers here.

"They are part of a national registered charity, but little is heard about them and they rely on funds from the community to keep going."

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