MORE than 150 people visited Laindon Library to see an exhibition on the old town.

There were photos of landmarks that have long since been demolished - including a privately run cinema that stood where the library now stands, in New Century Road.

Visitors also spoke to historians from the Public Records Office about their memories of Laindon, before it became part of Basildon new town after World War Two.

Denise Rowling, manager of the library, said: "Elderly residents are very happy to talk about Laindon in the years gone by, because they see it as the good old days when Laindon was really thriving.

"Laindon was the biggest town in the area, with over 100 shops in the High Road, which is a lot more than there are today."