MAMMA MIA! A taste of Italy came to the streets of Southend as part of an annual festival.

The Royals Shopping Centre hosted the Italian Festival which saw foodand classic cars from the country celebrated.

Visitors tasted authentic Italian food including olives, pasta, salami and cheese, as well as biscuits, nougat and sweets.

Face-painters and magicians kept children entertained as well as an activity workshop including flags and maps of Italy, design a pizza and wooden spoon decorating.

For petrolheads, Italian cars and bikes were on display including classic Alfa Romeos, Ducati, Barchetta, Italian supercars and a classic Fiat.

A Pavarotti tribute act also entertained the crowds.

The event was raising money for Southend Mind and its Jubilee Centre Appeal, providing a drop-in centre with counselling, advice and information for people with mental health issues.

Fundraising manager for the charity, Barbara Warner, said: ”Despite the severe weather conditions, we had a really nice day and managed to raise £338.

"We’re grateful to the Royals for supporting us as its charity of the year.”