A south Essex town is one of the top worst places to enjoy a night out in the UK, according to a new survey.

Research by Public First looked at the size of the night-time economy across more than 100 major towns and cities in England and Wales.

Basildon, which has just 5.08 nightclubs, bars and restaurants per 10,000 people, according to the report, was named the second worst place for a night out.

The town followed Slough, in Berkshire, which was named the worst with just 4.4 nightclubs, bars and eateries per 10,000 people.

Public First's Night Out Index focused on licensed establishments as a measure of the strength of the night time economy and did not consider unlicensed evening establishments, despite noting the rise of non-drinking.

Basildon’s nightclub scene was once hugely popular, with people coming to the area from all over the county to Festival Leisure Park's superclub.

The demolition of nightspots Liquid, Envy, New York New York and JJs in 2015 signalled the end of an era for a generation of south Essex clubbers.

'Bas Vegas' is home to just one nightclub now – Unit 7 – while the town centre, which once boasted famous nightclub Raquels, has The Loft in Southernhay.

Most recently, Wetherspoon left Basildon as Moon On The Square closed its doors in September, leaving Beehive as the only pub in the town centre.

However, plans have been granted for a huge new £3million Wetherspoon pub with a roof terrace on the site of the former Poundworld in East Walk - close to the town’s new £25 million cinema complex.

Mike Crowhurst, director at Public First and head of its Levelling Up practice, said: "Our Night Out Index is a reminder that ‘levelling up’ is about the quality of life people enjoy, as well as how they work, travel and learn.

"Local leadership and investment in arts, culture and hospitality have helped make some of our Northern towns and cities much more attractive places to live, but others have fallen behind.

"As the night-time economy evolves, action is needed to arrest the growing divides between our towns and cities and ensure people across the country have access to a great night out."