Rayleigh has welcomed a host of A-listers in years gone by, stretching from royalty to film stars and star footballers.

We have rediscovered images of some big names who have made the journey to south Essex - whether it was to open a fair or some disabled toilets!

Princess Anne met dignitaries when she travelled to Rayleigh, while James Bond actor Roger Moore was accompanied by Britt Ekland – his co-star in The Man With The Golden Gun – when he opened the 1974 May Fair.

Sports stars have also been special guests, with 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore heading to the opening of what is now the Pink Toothbrush and Alan Shearer walked around town with a cardboard cutout of himself.

Royal handshake - Princess Anne greets dignitaries during her Rayleigh visit

Royal handshake - Princess Anne greets dignitaries during her Rayleigh visit

Athlete Tessa Sanderson also showed off her moves.

Scroll down to see images of more A-listers to have headed to Rayleigh over the years.

Athletic - javelin star Tessa Sanderson at the Park Sports Centre 30 years ago

Athletic - javelin star Tessa Sanderson at the Park Sports Centre 30 years ago

Good to see you Mr Bond - Roger Moore and Britt Ekland breeze into Rayleigh for the May Fair back in July 1974

Good to see you Mr Bond - Roger Moore and Britt Ekland breeze into Rayleigh for the May Fair back in July 1974

Noted talent - wartime singer Anne Shelton at Rayleighs Mill Hall in 1979

Noted talent - wartime singer Anne Shelton at Rayleigh's Mill Hall in 1979

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Serving up a cuppa - Dame Anna Neagle visits Alice Hill at Frances Cottee Lodge in 1980

Serving up a cuppa - Dame Anna Neagle visits Alice Hill at Frances Cottee Lodge in 1980

Cutting it - ex-England footballer Alan Shearer, who went on to become the Premier Leagues all-time top goalscorer, dropped into town in 1995

Cutting it - ex-England footballer Alan Shearer, who went on to become the Premier League's all-time top goalscorer, dropped into town in 1995

Relaxing - actor Victor Maddern poses in front of the Rayleigh Windmill in 1982

Relaxing - actor Victor Maddern poses in front of the Rayleigh Windmill in 1982

That’s Life - TV presenter Chris Serle opening disabled toilets on Crown Hill

That’s Life - TV presenter Chris Serle opening disabled toilets on Crown Hill

Bullseye - Phil ‘the Power’ Taylor at the Rayleigh Sports and Social Club in 1992

Bullseye - Phil ‘the Power’ Taylor at the Rayleigh Sports and Social Club in 1992