This past weekend Rebecca joined residents at St Nicholas Church on Canvey to mark the anniversary of the 1953 floods, one of the most tragic events in the island's history.

The service was led by Rev Peter Hillman, the local Church of England Area Dean.

Not long before midnight on 31 January 1953, a North Sea storm surge breached the sea defences and 58 people on Canvey Island lost their lives, with many more affected across the east coast. It remains a deeply painful chapter for so many local families.

A symbolic beacon of remembrance was lit during the service in memory of those who were lost.

Rebecca highlighted the speech of Alderman Ray Howard MBE, who spoke of his own recollection of the flood.

"It was particularly powerful to hear Alderman Ray Howard MBE speak about his own memories of that night, reminding us that this is lived history today, not something distant long ago.

"We remember those were lost, honour the strength of those who survived and reflect on the importance of the flood defences that protect Canvey today."