Smiley children were among the first to try out Southend Pier's long awaited new trains this morning.

The vehicles, in classic cream and green, are now open to visitors and the public after months of testing.

Nursery and school children from across the city joined for a special trip at the world famous attraction.

The £3.2million pier train project has seen two eco-friendly vehicles added to the huge attraction with technology described as state-of-the-art.

The new trains can take more passengers, have better access for disabled people and include display screens and colour changing lighting.

Echo:

The youngsters cheered and sang as they excited watched out the window and looked about the carriage as the train moved smoothly along the pier.

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Last month Charles and Camilla paid another enduring tribute to Sir David Amess by naming a new electronic pier train after him just minutes after Southend was made a city.

Firm Seven Lamb worked on the new trains and workers are still on site helping the pier staff and drivers operate and work on the new vehicles.