We had a look in the Echo archives to see how the big event was celebrated in Basildon, Southend and Wickford and more locations in 2009.

There were colourful dresses, smart suits and lots of grand entrances in fancy cars. 

Beauchamp High School in Wickford celebrated in style and best friends, Sophie Lee and Chelsea Keeble, both then 16, got dressed up for the happy event.

Beauchamp High School in Wickford Prom in 2009 - best friends, Sophie Lee then 16 And Chelsea Keeble, then 16 (Image: Ron Poulter)

Another Beauchamp High School student there was Lacie Lee, then 16, who arrived in a very memorable Chevrolet Impala.

Beauchamp High School in Wickford Prom in 2009 - Lacie Lee, then 16, In A Chevrolet Impala. (Image: Ron Poulter)

Luke Brown and Danny Puddick, both then 16, from Beauchamps looked super stylish for the prom event.

Beauchamp High School in Wickford Prom in 2009 - Luke Brown, then 16 And Danny Puddick, then 16 (Image: Ron Poulter)

There was lots of fun to be had for Shoeburyness High Shool pupils at their prom at The Arlington Rooms, London Road, Chalkwell.

Prom night - Shoeburyness High School prom at The Arlington Rooms, London Road, Chalkwell (Image: Newsquest staff)

Dress to impressed, Barstable School in Basildon saw students enjoy prom night at Orsett Hall in 2009.

Big night - Barnstable school prom night at Orsett Hall (Image: Newsquest staff)

The Deanes school, Thundersley prom at Mill Hall, Rayleigh where Lauren Wells, Jay Hyland and Anthony Wright arrived in style in a black cab.

The Deanes school, Thundersley prom at Mill Hall, Rayleigh. L-R Lauren Wells, Jay Hyland and Anthony Wright arriving in a black cab. (Image: Newsquest staff)

Furtherwick Park School enjoyed their 2009 prom at Orsett Hall.

Looking back - Furtherwick Park school prom at Orsett Hall (Image: Newsquest staff)

Belfairs School in Leigh held a prom dinner for the year 11 students to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Belfairs High School in Leigh prom dinner for year 11 students (Image: Newsquest staff)

The FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh headed to Lords Golf Club in Hullbridge for their big bash.

Fun times - Fitzwimarc prom at Lords Golf Club, Hullbridge (Image: Newsquest staff)