DINERS in south Essex enjoyed more than 400,000 meals last month as part of the Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme.

Those eating out received a state-backed 50 per cent discount on meals and soft drinks up to £10 each between Mondays and Wednesdays in August.

New data from the Treasury, which is broken down by constituency, has revealed the scheme was a big success across south Essex - Southend, Castle Point, Rayleigh, Wickford, Basildon, and Billericay.

Here's how many restaurants took part:

Echo:

>>> Read more: Eat Out to Help Out: Southend restaurants offering 50% discount

Restaurants in the area claimed back a total of £2,176,000 from the Government.

The average meal discount came in at £5.51.

The Government scheme has now ended but a number of restaurants in the area have chosen to continue offering its customers discount throughout September.