SOUTHEND has made it into the top ten most holiday-friendly areas of the UK.

The town came eighth in the list of the places best-suited for UK holidays in a survey conducted by Virgin Money Travel Insurance.

Eastbourne topped the list with Manchester and Birmingham taking second and third places.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft welcomed the accolade. He said: “It’s great news and recognises the efforts the council and local traders have been making to improve our town’s facilities."