Southend fisherman, who were facing ruin over the coronavirus lockdown, say they have been saved by social media.

Fishermen along Essex’s coast decided to use the internet to sell directly to local customers after restaurants and fishmongers closed their doors.

The scheme, Local Fish For Local People, has been such a resounding success, fishermen say they will carry it on after lockdown is lifted.

Following the closure of export markets in France and Belgium, the campaign asks residents to cook more locally caught fish and seafood.

The scheme sees fishermen take orders and go out on their boats before delivering catches to people’s doorsteps the following day.

Leigh fisherman, Paul Gilson, has backed the campaign. He said: “All along the coast, from the Isle of Wight to Cromer, they have all gone on social media and it’s just gone ballistic.

“It’s unbelievable. One guy in West Mersea did 200 deliveries in two days and had to get extra help to cope with demand.

“At the moment the market is very closed and this has absolutely saved the day. The feedback has been wonderful as well. Normally fish will be about three or four days old by the time they are transported and fish under 24-hours don’t have a lot of flavour so people are getting their fish at the optimum time and they are saying they have never eaten fish that is so good before.”

Leigh town councillor, Mr Gilson added: “I think we as a nation have changed for good. We’ll definitely keep on doing this.

“It has possibly saved our local boats with the closing of so many of our traditional outlets.

Southend fisherman Gary Satchwell, 54, said: “It all started about a month ago. I am selling more fish this way than I did before.

“It has been surprising and a great success across the board. We’ll definitely keep on selling this way.”

During normal times, 80 per cent of a catch for fishermen in Kent and Essex goes to foreign markets. Due to the current Covid-19 crisis, all major international and national markets for fish and shellfish have closed or are limited.

Southend Mayor, John Lamb, chairman of Kent and Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, the campaign’s champion, said: “This trade is so important to Leigh, Southend and the wider area.

“Without the Fish Local campaign, many of our inshore fleet and their crews will not be able to ride out the Covid-19 storm and this will damage the long-term economies of our ports.”

To support local fisherman go to Essex Fresh Catch Facebook page or visit www.fishlocal.org