Proud residents of Rayleigh have defended their town after a TikTok comedian branded it "like 1920s Britain" and "full of old people".

Popular TikTok comedian Dilan Kurt recently uploaded a video touring Rayleigh, as he joked that the famous Pink Toothbrush nightclub “looks like a museum”  and he “couldn’t imagine anything worse” than shopping in Rayleigh Lanes indoor market. 

The video, which currently has more than 90,000 views, 6,000 likes and 400 comments, sparked fury from Rayleigh Town Council chairman Danielle Belton who insisted the town has much to offer and invited Dilan on a "night out at the Brush". 

Residents were quick to back Mrs Belton's defence of the town, claiming it is the only south Essex town centre left with "decent shops".

Matthew Hegarty said: "'Town for old people', nothing wrong with that! Some people prefer quiet old people towns!"

Tanya J Lepley added: "Don't see many pensioners in The Pink Toothbrush - which incidentally has been going for about 30 years now!

"I grew up in this town, and still live here now...plenty of great restaurants, pubs, with regular live music nights, plus The Spread Eagle pub which hosts monthly Sunday afternoon, early evening, disco, soul and club classics!"

Irene Addington commented: "I love Rayleigh, it’s always had a brilliant high street. One of the few high streets that hasn’t got loads of boarded up shops. A great little town!"

However, others defended the TikTok, with Martin JJ Johnson adding: "It's a good bit of satire!"

Dilan is from Essex himself, and is well-known on TikTok for his comedy videos visiting towns across the UK, having previously visited Southend, Basildon, Wickford, Pitsea and more.