HIGH streets are a vital part of any town.

Southend is no exception to this and has always had a large, busy and vibrant High Street.

The street scene may be familiar, but these pictures from the Echo archive show a selection of shop names which have long disappeared.

But there are also familiar brands, such as Boots and Marks and Spencer, which remain in Southend to the present day.

Do you have any old pictures of Southend town centre you'd like to share? Email echonews@nqe.com and tell us your memories.