WHEN Emma and Andy Fox decided to update the front sign of Café 709 in Southchurch they had no idea it would uncover a slice of history.

Taking off their old sign revealed a much earlier one dating back more than 60 years.

The sign was for The Saville Row Dyers and Cleaners and amazingly the signature of the sign painter is still there.

It was created by George Salmons who lived at 201 South Avenue until 1959.

“It was amazing to see, we had no idea at all that it was there. It is an absolutely beautiful sign and a piece of Southchurch history,” said Emma.

“Our sign was getting a bit weather beaten and so we wanted to freshen it up.

"We could never have guessed what would be underneath. We took on the café in 2006 and a café had been there previously and it was a tailor shop before that.”

Echo: The Saville Row Dyers and CleanersThe Saville Row Dyers and Cleaners (Image: Andy and Emma Fox)

Emma posted a photo of their find on the Facebook group Ros Southend Past in Photos. Old Southend and memories and it was revealed the sign was post Second World War and George Salmons moved on from 201 South Avenue by 1959.

“We were amazed to see the signature of the person who created the sign. The Facebook group have been really helpful and are very interested in the sign and the history of the dyers and cleaners,” she said.

“Also, Nigel Franklin, our landlord, has been really supportive with the renovation we are doing and he does a lot with Project Southchurch to renovate the area.

"This discovery will add to the history of Southchurch and we will cover the old sign with a new one in order to protect it for future generations.”

Echo: Signature - George Salmons originally painted the signSignature - George Salmons originally painted the sign (Image: Andy and Emma Fox)

The revelation has caused a stir in the café and within Emma’s family.

“My daughter is studying media studies and she is going to do it as a school project,” Emma added.

The popular café is well loved in the area for its tasty food and drink.

“We are known for our breakfasts and people travel from Benfleet and further to come here and we also do great coffees and cakes.”

For more information search 'Cafe 709' on Facebook.