PEOPLE might be staying at home more during the summer holidays, but Southend still has plenty for them to do.

The trend in “staycations”- where hard-pressed families choose to save cash by shunning expensive holidays abroad - has brought a boom to the UK’s seaside towns.

Only Brighton has seen a bigger cash boost than Southend this year, which recorded a bumper 9.1 per cent increase in profits.

This is no accident.

Traders, residents and Southend Council have all played a part by working hard and ensuring that when people visit our town they keep coming back for more.

Cash has been poured into schemes on the pier and elsewhere on the seafront, including the new lagoon.

These schemes not only benefit those visiting the town but provide much-needed entertainment for those of us who can no longer afford to go abroad.

Does Brexit have anything to do with it?

Nobody really knows. But when things are this good, does anyone care?

There is also the positive effect on employment.

Traders have reported taking on extra staff to cope with demand, providing the prospect of even more opportunities as the town continues to grow.

The Echo told last month how plans to increase flights at Southend Airport could also bring more jobs and cash to the town. At this rate, those planes might even begin to bring in even more tourists.