MORE people are visiting Southend Pier than ever before.

Southend Pier has just had its most popular January since records began in 2006.

16,818 people visited the world’s longest pleasure pier, beating the 14,084 visitors recorded in January 2019.

The weather, a number of seal sightings, and a £1 winter walk offer are all thought to have helped boost numbers.

Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, culture and tourism, said: "It is great news that we have seen another record-breaking month for Southend Pier. It is also particularly pleasing to see it in January.

"Visitors have been drawn to our famous pier to dust off those Christmas cobwebs and enjoy a fresh walk that offers unrivalled views across the estuary. We also have an increasing number of attractions like our Pier Tearoom which is proving popular.

"Last year was a successful year for the pier and 2020 will be a bumper year too with many events planned. We remain committed to investing and maintaining this world famous structure and moving forwards with replacing the pier trains. It will be the last full season with the current Pier trains before they are replaced, so we expect many people will be coming for a last ride out in them on the longest pleasure pier in the world."

Visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk.