A CELEBRATION of all things beautiful in our county, the Miss Essex competition was an incredibly popular event in the 1980s and 1990s.

Sponsored by the Echo, the contest had a series of heats before finalists showed off their talents in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.

The winners of the hotly-anticipated contest would take on a year of schmoozing and ribbon cutting as they attended countless events across the county.

The contest was held at a range of different locations, including Cliffs Pavilion and nightclubs which no longer exist.

Echo:

Together - 1989’s Miss Essex contestants

We have dipped into the archive to dig out these snaps from the 1980s and 1990s, which shows huge crowds turned out to discover who would be crowned Miss Essex.

Join us on a trip down memory lane by joining our ‘We grew up in Essex’ Facebook group. If you have old photos and stories to share with our readers, simply complete our online form.

Scroll down to see more retro snaps from Miss Essex contests from the 1980s and 1990s.

Echo:

On the podium - 1987’s Miss Essex Maria Vella, with Tracey Tucker (left) and Esther Cutting (right)

Echo:

Round of applause - the crowd goes wild at the 1989 show

Echo:

Listening to instructions - choreographer Alex Lee puts 1988 contestants through their paces

Echo:

Hoping to claim the crown - 1988 semi-finalists are all smiles at Peers in Southend

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Echo:

Semi-finalist - Debra Sales, 23, from Benfleet, in 1989

Echo:

Champion - Miss Essex Maria Vella receives thank you flowers at a gala night at Keddies in November 1987

Echo:

Wave - 1987 Miss Essex Maria Vella greets onlookers shortly after winning the competition

Echo:

Impressed - Rachel Johnstone, 18, finished third in Miss Essex 1989, held at Cliffs Pavilion

Echo:

Breather - contestants take a break during rehearsals for Miss Essex 1988