This weekend Rebecca joined the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Jenny Tolhurst, and lots of local residents for the unveiling of a blue plaque for local suffragette, Elsie Lagsding at the Benbow Club on Pound lane.

Elsie lived in North Benfleet and was one of the many brave but often overlooked women who fought tirelessly for Votes for Women.

Born in 1887, she threw herself into the suffrage movement at a time when standing up for women's rights came with real personal risk. Her determination and her motto "Deeds, Not Words" helped pave the way for the rights women enjoy today and it is wonderful to see her contribution properly recognised in her own community. She deserves to be remembered.

You can find out more about the society and their work here: www.basildonheritage.org.uk.

After the event, Rebecca said: "A big thank you to the Basildon Borough Heritage Society for organising today's event and for everything they do to keep our local history alive."