Dozens of messages of support for Remploy employees, including from Havering and Brentwood, feature on a plaque presented to former shop stewards.

Dagenham and Rainham MP Jon Cruddas received a number of moving messages from members of the public while he was campaigning to keep the factory in Longreach Road, Barking, open.

Many say how much the factory workers are valued by the local community and how sad it would be if the firm closed.

Mr Cruddas presented the plaque to former Remploy shop stewards Julie Haynes and Mark Holloway on March 22.

The government-subsidised factory, which employed about 80 physically and mentally disabled people, was closed down in August last year. The decision was criticised by Mr Cruddas and a number of organisations and residents.