CUTTING an idyllic and colourful figure against Southend seafront, beach huts that have weathered the test of time highlight memories of a bygone era.

Walking along the seafront, passersby are greeted by the colourful wooden huts, crammed with pictures of sunny days and picnics with the family.

The popular huts have been a part of Southend’s history since the Twenties, when families would spend long, summer holidays in the resort.

But could one of the town’s beach huts now be crowned the best in Britain?

The hunt is on to find the country’s best beach hut. A panel of expert judges will sift through hundreds of entries to find five regional finalists, across England, Scotland and Wales.

Southend certainly has a dedicated band of beach hut owners, who maintain them year after year.

Gill and Colin Blackall’s hut, at Shoebury Common, is surely one of the most lovingly tended.

It is full of pictures taken at the seaside, and memorabilia which has been in their family for 80 years.

Mrs Blackall, 73, from Highfield Avenue, Thundersley, said: “We have been using this hut for at least 50 years and we have had many happy memories of our two children and nine grandchildren spending time here.

“We try to come down at least once a week.

“There is a lovely sense of freedom, peace and quiet here and we have made many friends over the years.

“It is so relaxing to spend time looking out over the sea. We regularly have friends along for a drink and a bite to eat.”

More than 20 years ago, the couple decided to rebuild the hut after the previous one was left in a state of disrepair.

It was one of the first to have plastic cladding around it.

Mrs Blackall said: “It was all rusted and the paint was flaking, so my husband and a friend built the hut in sections at home, which they put together on the site.

“The first hut was called Just It, so we decided to name this one Just It II.

“I remember mum used to cook roast dinners in the oven in the old hut and my dad used to have an old bucket where he would get cockles from the sea and then cook them on the stove.

“We have gathered an awful lot of family memories during the time we have been here.”

For keen swimmer Bill Norris, his beach hut, also at Shoebury Common, has provided welcome relaxation since his retirement.

Mr Norris, of Tollgate, Thunder-sley, said: “I have had this hut for 28 years and I love spending time in it.

“I honestly don’t know what I would have done without it. I have always wanted one and when the weather is nice I spend about four or five days here, being a beach bum. It is so relaxing and there are some lovely, restful views to enjoy.”

He has decked out his hut, called Bilzut, in a nautical theme, with sailing artefacts, a huge ship’s wheel and a colourful variety of seashells and stones.

“It is a way of life that grows on you and there is a tranquil atmosphere. I would say it is the best way to spend your retirement.”

For more information about the competition, visit www.beachhut oftheyear.co.uk