New official figures reveal which areas of the borough's have seen the worst death toll.

The data published by the Office for National Statistics shows people living in the poorest areas are more likely to die from the disease compared to those in the most affluent.

In the 12 months from March last year, 571 people in Southend died due to Covid-19, according to the ONS figures – a rate of 291 per 100,000 people.

The peak month for deaths was January when 219 were recorded.

The neighbourhoods with the highest number of deaths in Southend are:

1) Chalkwell – 58 deaths due to Covid-19

2) Blenheim Park – 55

3) Southend Central – 49

The neighbourhoods with the fewest number of deaths:

1) Westborough – 10

2) Leigh – 20

3) West Leigh –22

In the 12 months from March last year, 525 people in Basildon died due to Covid-19, according to the ONS figures – a rate of 307 per 100,000 people.

The peak month for deaths was January when 162 were recorded.

The figures also show which of Basildon's 22 neighbourhoods saw the most and fewest deaths of residents over the 12-month period.

The neighbourhoods with the highest number of deaths in Basildon are:

1) Laindon West and Southfields – 36 deaths due to Covid-19

2) Steeple View and Noak Bridge – 35

3) Vange and Pitsea – 34

The neighbourhoods with the fewest number of deaths are:

1) Billericay North East – 11

2) Wickford Shotgate – 14

2) Wickford South – 14