THE living dead invaded Southend as the town’s pier came under siege by flesh-eating zombies.

A 300-strong army of shuffling monstrosities set off to moan and groan their way along the pier.

The fourth Horror-on-Sea Zombie Walk began with a best-dressed zombie competition, courtesy of Silent Studios, at the Royal Pavilion at the sea end of the pier and then culminated in a family friendly event in the Park Inn Palace Hotel.

The free zombie and ghoul party, organised by Southend film organisation White Bus, included a children’s Halloween disco with free kids mocktails.

Ghoulish food and drinks were also promised for the adults.

Anyone dressed in Halloween costume was also welcome to join in the walk.

Paul Cotgrove, managing director of the White Bus film company, which organises the annual walk, said that the zombie walk was originally organised to promote the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival four years ago but became a yearly event.

He said: “The weather was so fantastic for the event, it really helped bring out all the zombies.

“It has been very successful this year. There were more zombies coming onto the pier as some were walking off it.”