GREYHOUND racing was a hugely popular sport in the 20th century - and thousands of fans headed to Southend to watch the canines go head-to-head in exciting races.

Very few greyhound racing stadiums remain nowadays, but they were a booming part of the British cultural landscape ahead of the turn of the century.

Southend Stadium, in Grainger Road, opened in September 1931 and hosted races for more than five decades before its closure in December 1985.

The arena was also the home venue for Southend United between 1934 and 1955, but proposals for speedway racing at the venue were the subject of vocal protests by neighbouring residents in the 1970s.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

One last outing - racegoers pack into the stand for the final meeting in December 1985, with Southend Stadium being demolished soon after

After its final race on Boxing Day 1985, the stadium was demolished and replaced by the Greyhound Retail Park.

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Scroll down to see more retro images from Southend Stadium.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Out of the traps - greyhounds race out of the blocks during a race held at Southend Stadium in January 1971

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

All smiles - Roy Key and Simon Watson, the stadium chairman, are in high spirits as they pose for a photograph

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Noisy neighbours - residents protested against plans for speedway racing in 1977

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Race day - dogs go head-to-head as they make their way around the Southend Stadium track

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Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

All hands to the pump - Southend Stadium staff take a delivery in 1973

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Fast on four legs - greyhounds are neck-and-neck as they compete in a 1976 race

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Heavy load - Southend Stadium secretary Hugh Willcock oversees a new generator being delivered in November 1973

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

The way it was - the main stand at Southend Stadium welcomed countless greyhound racing fans

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

End of an era - the Southend Stadium turns to rubble as it is demolished in 1986