Disco dancing was all the rave in the 1970s and ‘80s – so a former nightclub took advantage and held annual competitions.

Tots nightclub, which was found a stone’s throw from the Southend seafront on Lucy Road, hosted yearly disco contests and it resulted in some of south Essex’s most talented dancers battling it out for glory.

We have delved into our photo archives and rediscovered some snaps of go-go dancers who used to entertain clubbers from the stage, as well as previous contestants of the competitions.

Among them is a bow-tied Chris Dwyer, who triumphed in 1979, and a cat-suited Sharon Lester entertaining the crowd.

The events, which were well attended, allowed Saturday night divas and dudes to show off their moves on the dancefloor.