South Essex draws in thousands of tourists and visitors every year due to its wide variety of attractions and beaches.

But for those lucky enough to live here, what is the very best thing about calling the area home?

We put that very question to readers on Facebook and received hundreds of responses.

One particular – and perhaps obvious - reason came up time and time again, but there were plenty of other good suggestions to remind us why we are lucky to live here.

So here are the best and most popular reason why people say south Essex is the best place to live:

Janine Armitage said: “Being close to the sea. I love the sea air.”

Matt Crow said: “The Estuary and living on Canvey I’d say the people.”

Emma Watts said: “The great mix of seaside,urban, & countryside on your doorstep, transport links, multicultural, great restaurants/bars/cocktails.”

Faye Milne said: “Sea and countryside. New to Essex and love it, such an improvement on where we were in London.

“It may not be perfect, no where is. I’ve met so of the nicest people since living here!”

Aidy J Con said: “As an Irish man living in Essex - definitely the weather.”

Justin Carr said: “The fact that everyone else in great Britain is jealous of our beauty.”

Even those who no longer live in south Essex joined the debate, and one admitted there was something they have really missed since leaving.

Debbie Green said: “I was born in Essex and now living in New Zealand.

“The people are awesome and I really, really miss the sense of humour. Always part of me will be there.”

Other suggestions put forward were The Pink Toothbrush nightclub, Adventure Island, Southend Pier (the longest in the world) and one die-hard Blues fan even said Southend United.

It may not be perfect, but many of us will agree we’re glad to call south Essex home.