Fire crews were called to help secure a dangerous shop sign after it became loose above a footpath.

The letter A from the sign belonging to Havens Department Store, in Hamlet Court Road, Southend, was deemed to be dangerous and needed securing by fire crews.

Havens, which was founded in 1901, is one of Essex's oldest department stores and is now a Grade II listed building.

Managing Director Nigel Havens said: "My brother called it in to the fire service as we were unable to get up there ourselves and it needed securing immediately.

"The sign itself has been there for about 30 to 40 years. I think what had happened was that the bolts that hold it in place had deteriorated and it was looking a bit unsafe so needed removing.

"The heavy winds have just taken its toll I think and the fire service said we were right to call it in."

A spokesman for the fire service said: "We were called at 12.10pm to reports of a dangourous structure and sent one fire engine and one aerial ladder platform, both from Southend, to the scene.

"On arrival, there was a hazardous shop sign in a dangerous position hanging over a pedestrian footpath.

"The road was closed while the crews secured the scene and was reopened by 12.50pm."