Palm trees will soon be swaying in the summer breeze bringing a touch of the Caribbean to Canvey.

At last, the eight foot tall palm trees have arrived from Italy as part of the Canvey 2000 campaign to enhance the seafront.

Each tree has been paid for by local residents who have given donations to the campaign.

Dennis Williams, chairman of Canvey 2000, said: "We have received our special delivery and we are very excited about it. We always said we would like to bring the Caribbean effect to Canvey seafront and now the palm trees are here.

"I am sure residents will love the look. Torquay seafront also has them and they look really effective. We have waited a long time for them to arrive and now we will finally be planting them."

Each tree costs £150 and the campaign organisers hope that with more donations, they will soon be able to line the whole seafront.

The first batch will be planted on Tuesday at 10.30am opposite the Monico pub on the piece of land next to the St John Ambulance building.

Mr Williams said: "In the long term, we are looking to plant a tremendous amount of palm trees all the way along the seafront."

The Victorian lights are also due to be officially switched on for the first time next Wednesday.

All the electricity work and cable laying has been finished by Eastern Electricity and the eight ornate black and gold lights are ready to shine at 8.30pm on Wednesday.

Mr Williams said: "We are very excited about the lights which cost £11,000 to buy and install. JBR Leisure in Southend helped sponsor them and council leader Dave Blackwell also made a personal donation."

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