Thurrock Council has apologised for an "oversight" which means St George's Day will not be commemorated in the borough this year. 

The council has come under criticism from residents and community groups after no plans were announced to celebrate the day. 

And now the council has confirmed that the event was reluctantly cancelled, adding that it is already planning for next year. 

The council have stated the main reason for the cancellation is the fact that Mayor, Barbara Rice, recently stepped down. 

Although that was announced more than a month ago. 

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said: "St George’s Day cannot be celebrated on Easter Sunday so any event could only have occurred on the next closest Sunday, 28 April.

“Unfortunately, due to the change of Mayor quite close to the potential event, the close proximity to the Easter weekend, and in consultation with Rev Darren Barlow, the event for this year was reluctantly cancelled.

“Clearer information should have been provided to those normally invited, this was an oversight on behalf of the council for which we apologise. The event will take place as normal next year.”