THE former Ekco office and factory near Priory Park, Southend made a range of electronic gadgets in its heyday.

Today, the old factory and office block is being redeveloped into a housing estate.

It was been named Ekco Park, in an attempt to ensure the history of the site is not forgotten.

The company, named after its founder Eirc Kirkham Cole, is best remembered for the radios and televisions that poured out of its factory in Prittlewell Chase.

Mr Cole was born in Rochford in 1901, and 21 years later the electrical engineer set up business in a shed in Beedell Road, Westcliff, after completing his education at Southend Technical college.

In 1926 came the adoption of Ekco name.

Four years later, Ekco became the first company to use plastic cabinets for its radios, which led to the installation of the first large-scale plastic presses in British manufacturing.

In 1931 Ekco produced the first radio dial in mass production, and then in 1934 Ekco pioneered car radios.

Its products become standard fit for Rolls Royces.

In 1966 Mr Cole died at his retirement home in Barbados.

Six years later the Ekco building was acquired by the Joint Credit Card Company, with it later became a centre for Access credit cards, subsequently part of the Mastercard operation.

The Ekco Park housing development will consist of a collection of one, two, three and four bedroom properties, with prices starting at £254,995.