IT’S the town with the longest pleasure pier in the world and has seven miles of seafront and boasts the mighty Shrimpers, but now Southend can also claim to have the UK’s sexiest people.

The town has been voted Britain’s Sexiest Town by lads mag Zoo which carried out detailed inspections of local talent and facilities such as local pubs, night spots, theme parks, beaches and cafes.

A poll of more than 5,000 readers chose Southend as the best, ahead of Weymouth, Southport, Blackpool and Barry Island.

Official Zoo babes were then drafted in to the town to spread the good news.

The town’s mayor Ann Holland is delighted with the news, she said: “It’s all in good fun. I’m very pleased to hear we have beat all the other competition. I think it’s the first time Southend has won something like this.”

John Lamb, Southend Council’s deputy leader also welcomed the title, he said: “Southend has lots to offer everybody. We are delighted Southend is continually being hailed as a most inviting destination.”

The full feature and more pictures appear in this week’s issue of the magazine.