Beach huts are synonymous with the south Essex coastline and these photographs show they have stood the test of time.
With our seafront remaining deserted due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we have rolled back the years by rediscovering these eye-catching images of the seafront beach huts from up to 51 years ago.
Beach huts are highly sought-after nowadays, but they used to simply be seen as a private space for the wealthy, with them using the small building to change into their swimsuits before going for a dip.
They can now be worth big money, but beach huts in Southend were on sale for as little as £300 in 1980.
For sale - beach huts were on the market for as little as £300 in 1980
However, they could still set you back £2,500 if they were in good condition and of a slightly bigger size than others.
Scroll down to see more retro snaps of the beach huts which still line our seafront today.
Hankies – brave seaside goers walking alongside the beach huts as snow turned to ice in 1982
Family fun - Gwen Maddison and her children enjoying a relaxing day along the Thorpe Bay coastline
Seeking shelter at the seaside - Georgina Bernini in 1970
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Atmospheric - a south Essex resident walks in front of the Shoebury beach huts in 1980
May have inspired a hotel business - a beach hut adorned with a Holiday Inn plaque
On the sand - Kathline Barney relaxes with friends and family in Thorpe Bay
Creative - our south Essex beach huts have always boasted some unique names
Worse for wear - some Southend beach huts appear to be falling down in 1979
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