Emergency services today praised the behaviour of the 250,000 crowd at this year's Southend Airshow.
Breathtaking display - the world famous Red Arrows team in action above Thames barges moored near the pier Pictures: MAXINE CLARKE zgp2m
And police said that even their officers enjoyed patrolling the seafront as the good-natured crowd lapped up the sunshine and the displays.
Police and firefighters had been concerned that many revellers would take their lives in their hands by venturing out on to Southend's treacherous mudflats, but to their relief the crowds decided to stay on dry land.
With the sun shining for part of the day, the vast crowds spilled on to the seafront to drink, eat and generally have a merry time.
Published Monday May 31, 2004
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