A BENFLEET woman who brightened up the lives of many during lockdown alongside her stuffed bear has been named a community hero by train operator c2c.

c2c wanted to recognise the efforts its community had made during the coronavirus crisis.

Commuters were asked to nominate people who they thought had gone the extra mile to help their neighbours and community.

A total of five winners were picked from the inspiring nominations and were presented with a c2c local heroes trophy.

Martin Hayhurst, from Benfleet, nominated Alison and Elwood – a stuffed bear - for managing to keep most of the town entertained for 100 consecutive days of lockdown with exploits in the Thundersley Facebook Group.

Martin said: “Alison and Elwood kept everyone in the village amused during the worst of lockdown, with a daily tableau on her garden wall involving Elwood and his various friends.

“The posts were extremely popular, making the page a place to visit every day for many people.”

This nomination was seconded by another user, who said: “I used to live in Thundersley but now live many miles away, and through the power of Facebook was able to enjoy Elwood’s adventures too. Through them I felt part of a community which I left many years ago.”

When she was told that she’d been chosen as a local hero, Alison said: “Elwood’s antics seemed to bring a lot of joy to people and it was wonderful to be part of the outpouring of kindness in the community.

“Elwood can still be seen on the wall on occasion because kindness shouldn’t ever cease.”

Managing director, Ben Ackroyd, added: “We received many stories of local people coming together and helping others within the East London and South Essex community. It’s heartening to see the wonderful sense of community displayed along our route and we all feel a sense of pride in how people have come together.”

Alexandra White, who runs a charity “Get the Kids Out”, to help low income families who couldn’t otherwise afford trips out with their children, and Mark Penn, who set up “Benfleet Community Helpers” which saw him turn his shop into a warehouse and distribution hub, also took home awards, as well as Sky Butcher, who feeds the homeless around Basildon, and Adam White, who continued to run Westcliff Rugby Lions club via Facebook Live every week.