Sometimes it’s interesting to look at things from a different perspective.

Our black and white photo gallery shows some of south Essex’s most notable landmarks and buildings from a bird’s eye view.

Echo: How Roots Hall looked in 1969How Roots Hall looked in 1969 (Image: Newsquest)

The images were all taken from an aeroplane back in 1969. And how things have changed in the 54 years since they were snapped.

Echo: Southend Stadium - the old greyhound racing track in Grainger Road, Southend which was bulldozed to make way for a retail parkSouthend Stadium - the old greyhound racing track in Grainger Road, Southend which was bulldozed to make way for a retail park (Image: Newsquest)

Although some are still standing, many of the buildings and sites featured are no longer here, including Runwell Hospital and Southend Greyhound Stadium.

Echo: Transport hub - Southend’s Central StationTransport hub - Southend’s Central Station (Image: Newsquest)

Some shots demonstrate just how far we’ve come over the past five-plus decades – such as Southend Airport, which today is a bustling transport hub, yet back then was little more than a rural landing strip.

Echo: Victoria CircusVictoria Circus (Image: Newsquest)

Others show less positive effects of modernisation. 

Echo: Runwell Hospital in 1969Runwell Hospital in 1969 (Image: Newsquest)

Tilbury Docks, for example, once a hive of activity, as the photo in our gallery shows, is much-changed today.

Echo: Tilbury Docks in its heydayTilbury Docks in its heyday (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: The Ford Tractor plant in Basildon with its eye-catching water towerThe Ford Tractor plant in Basildon with its eye-catching water tower (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: This shot shows Peter Pan’s playground on Southend seafront. The eye-catching white roof of the bowling pavilion on the pier can also be seen This shot shows Peter Pan’s playground on Southend seafront. The eye-catching white roof of the bowling pavilion on the pier can also be seen (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: A great view of Southend’s Queensway housing blocksA great view of Southend’s Queensway housing blocks (Image: Newsquest)

Echo: Hadleigh CastleHadleigh Castle (Image: Newsquest)