Southend's biggest lockdown moments include toilet roll gate, clapping for carers and generous restaurants- to name but a few. 

As Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared we were going into lockdown for three weeks from March, 23, who knew what life had in store for us all.

Six months on, we’ve taken a look back at some of Southend's biggest, strangest and down-right outrageous moments:

1. The infamous toilet roll thieves 

Echo:

Was there anything more valuable in the middle of March than toilet roll? 

Well, three men from Thurrock didn't think so as they stole loo paper and hand sanitiser, along with other items from a building site in Hatfield Peverel. 

Thankfully we have all moved on and toilet roll is no longer more valuable than diamonds.

2. The bundles of joy that made us all smile during lockdown

Echo:

Amid the misery of the pandemic and the potential loneliness of lockdown, the news stories that made many of us smile were the tales of babies born during the pandemic.

When times were tough and it seemed that we were stuck in a dystopian world, there was nothing quite like seeing fresh new life blooming.

Although the gorgeous bundles of joy could not be shown off in the ‘normal’ way to friends and family, the county enjoyed seeing the charming newborns across The Echo News.

3. The epic Basildon restaurant helping to keep NHS full up through lockdown

The owner of Basil Spice, a family-run Indian restaurant, fed 100 NHS staff at Basildon Hospital and vowed to continue through lockdown. 

With the backing of his loyal customer base, Adam Hussain, owner of Basil Spice, was able to work hard with his family to deliver more than 100 curries to frontline staff. 

Mr Hussain said: "“A front line doctor texted me and said how hungry he was, and to eat something fresh, healthy and filling on the go was priceless."

4. Celebrating our brilliant frontline workers every Thursday

Echo:

Nearly everyone joined in with the clap for our carers initiative (Jacob King/PA).

Clap for our carers ran for 10 weeks during the height of lockdown and saw us all stand outside our homes or clap out the windows on Thursdays at 8pm.

Huge cheers and whoops were heard outside Southend Hospital on April 16 as the community rallied together to thank NHS workers.

On July 5, the initiative returned to mark the 72nd anniversary of our NHS.

5. The NHS Spitfire flying over Essex

Echo:

After the peak of lockdown we were treated to an epic display to celebrate the NHS' 72nd birthday.

The iconic jet emblazoned the sky with the poignant message "THANK U NHS", a senitment we can all get behind. 

The Aircraft Restoration Company have been covering their blue Spitfire with hand written names for NHS Charities Together and have so far raised more than £84,000. 

Have we missed off your favourite lockdown memory? Let us know in the comments.