ESSEX has given its overwhelming backing to the UK's exit from the EU as the county's referendum results were announced.

Every district in the county declared a majority of voters in favour of Leave, with 62.3 per cent across Essex backing Brexit.

The support from Essex helped the Leave campaign secure an overall margin of 52 per cent to 48 per cent nationally, meaning the UK is set to leave the European Union.

AS-IT-HAPPENED: Reaction as results were declared across Essex

Turnout for the referendum was significantly higher than at any election in recent history.

All districts in Essex recorded turnouts of 73 per cent or higher.

Almost exactly one million votes were cast across the county, with 62.3 per cent backing Brexit.

Echo:

Leave supporters celebrating this morning at the regional declaration in Chelmsford

HOW ESSEX VOTED

  • Basildon: Remain 30,748, Leave 67,251 (Turnout 74%)
  • Braintree: Remain 33,523, Leave 52,713 (77%)
  • Brentwood: Remain 19,077, Leave 27,627 (79%)
  • Castle Point: Remain 14,154, Leave 37,691 (75%)
  • Chelmsford: Remain 47,545, Leave 53,249 (78%)
  • Colchester: Remain 44,414, Leave 51,305 (75%)
  • Epping Forest: Remain 28,676, Leave 48,176 (77%)
  • Harlow: Remain 13,867, Leave 29,602 (74%)
  • Maldon: Remain 14,529, Leave 24,302 (79%)
  • Rochford: Remain 17,510, Leave 34,937 (79%)
  • Southend: Remain 39,348, Leave 54,522 (73%)
  • Tendring: Remain 25,210, Leave 57,447 (74%)
  • Thurrock: Remain: 22,151, Leave: 57,765 (73%)
  • Uttlesford: Remain 25,619, Leave 26,324 (80%)

TOTAL ESSEX VOTE: Remain 376,371, Leave 622,911