Essex residents have been enjoying a new spot for a popular traditional English meal thanks to the launch of a new business.

Wally's Pie and Mash has been opened by local couple Billy Cutting, 35, and Dee Sullivan, 39, and is serving up the dish for people across the district.

After months of converting their horsebox into a mobile kitchen, the pair kicked off their first day of service at the Fig and Leaf in Heybridge this month.

Billy said: “The local support has been amazing, and we’re really excited to continue serving the people of Maldon and the surrounding areas.

“We never expected such a good turnout.

“The first day went extremely well, and we’re so grateful for the support of the local community in Maldon. It really means a lot to us.

"We hope to grow the business and eventually have permanent locations in multiple towns.”

The business is inspired by the traditional East End meal, featuring options like one pie with one mash for £6.50, two pies with two mash for £11.50, and school cake for £4.00.

There are vegetarian and gluten-free options, and for those craving an authentic touch, jellied eels are available on request.

The pop-up was born from the duo’s love for "classic East End pie and mash, complete with liquor and chili vinegar".

The business was named after both Billy and Dee’s grandfathers, who were both called Walter, or Wally for short.

Residents can find the pop-up at The Roundbush pub in Maldon every Wednesday.

“We’re passionate about keeping the tradition of pie, mash, and liquor alive, and Maldon has been the perfect place to start,” said Billy.

The business has been enjoying success at the same time calls have been made to give traditional pie and mash protected status to celebrate its cockney origins.

Essex MP Richard Holden asked the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to award Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) status for the dish last week.

Responding for the Government, environment minister Daniel Zeichner said he would "welcome a formal application".

Defra said an application for TSG status requires agreement on the recipe that producers would need to follow to use the name in future and they will assess the c