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.

Braintree and Witham Times:

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.

Braintree and Witham Times:

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

Braintree and Witham Times:

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

Braintree and Witham Times:

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

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

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

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

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

Braintree and Witham Times:

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

Braintree and Witham Times:

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