SOUTHEND is trialling a new dance machine – the only one of its kind in Europe.

Adventure Island’s new family entertainment centre is the temporary base for Dance Dance Revolution X2 and is proving to be a hit with children, teenagers and adults.

The Japanese company behind it has chosen Southend to test the prototype for the game, which is not being launched until next year.

Carl Stacey, head of coin operations, who has worked at the park for 18 years, said: “The kids are besotted with it. It’s exclusive to us for the summer.

“It has new music from China and popular English tracks.

“Every walk of life is drawn to it.

“It’s a lot of fun and even shows how many calories you have burned while dancing. You can’t beat this version for the arcade, compared to the dance mats you get at home.”

The dance machine is at Adventure Island for another two weeks only.