COUNTLESS children, and adults, rode the affectionately named Casino Horses in Canvey for years, much to their enjoyment.

The children’s rides adorned Canvey seafront for more than 50 years since 1946 and holidaymakers would make a beeline for them and pose happily for photos.

These pictures are supplied by the Canvey Community Archive.

The horses were also featured in the Dr Feelgood film Oil City Confidential, putting them on the big screen and gaining even more attention.

Disaster struck in 2010 when a car veered off the road and ploughed into the front of the Fantasy Island amusement park and arcade.

It was reported in the Echo that police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to Canvey after a car crashed into the front of an amusement park.

Sadly, the Casino Horses were destroyed.

David Hebden took care of the remains of the silver horse and asked a family friend to restore it.

The silver horse came out on special days for children to ride on once again.

The horse also made an appearance on Concord Beach where the children made a big fuss of it.

All the images and information has been taken from Canvey Community Archive.

Visit www.canveyisland.org for details.