Star of stage and screen Lee Mead has backed efforts to restore the iconic Southend Kursaal to its glory days.

The Essex star has thrown his weight behind Concrete Culture, a passionate new arts co-operative on a mission to make the Kursaal great again.

The 120-year-old seafront landmark - owned by Southend Council but leased to a company - is shut following the closure of a number of businesses including the Rendezvous Casino.

Echo:

Concrete Culture put the seafront fun palace at the forefront of the campaign after identifying a need for a community and arts centre.

Mr Mead said: "The Kursaal is Southend. I have many fond memories as a kid, as a young man, and as a father taking my daughter down to the Kursaal.

"It was a big part of my grandparents' youth and lives too. They would go dancing together at the Kursaal, meet friends and make memories. It would be sad, unthinkable to see it close down or not be used for the community and the next generation.

"To see the Kursaal restored would be amazing. I would be the first one there to celebrate its return."

It comes after Southend actress Dame Helen Mirren also backed the groups efforts to bring back the landmark - Dame Helen, who went to St Bernard’s High School in Westcliff, told the campaign group: “The Kursaal has been the pride and joy of Southend for generations.

“It belongs to the people.”

The multi-award winning actress said she had “incredibly fond” memories of her time at the Kursaal in her youth.