These wonderful photos of a Lambretta rally in Southend in 1968 have been reprinted from the Echo’s photo archives.

They show Lambretta lovers having a blast in the borough with their gleaming machines 55 years ago.

We’re not sure exactly where they were taken but if the event was anything like previous Lambretta Club of Great Britain rallies in Southend it would have seen several showgrounds popping up across the patch to be used for rider gatherings as well as scooter races and demonstrations.

Echo: Quick stop - a Lambretta owner at the 1968 Southend rally Quick stop - a Lambretta owner at the 1968 Southend rally (Image: Newsquest)

At the 1968 rally 2,000 people from all over Europe descended on the seafront with their Lambrettas and enjoyed a day of larking about.

Highlights of the scooter fest included a ‘mobile pillow fight’, ‘concours de elegance’, ‘medieval slow races’ and giant obstacle courses.

Echo: Water guy - a rider cranks up the action at the rally with this stuntWater guy - a rider cranks up the action at the rally with this stunt (Image: Newsquest)

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There was also a three mile ‘scootercade’ – a convoy of Lambrettas alongs the seafront, which crowds of spectators poured out to see.

The images have been restored thanks to volunteers at the Rayleigh Town Museum who are helping to preserve our archives.