Early talks have been launched over a bid to bring back an old-fashioned land train service for tourists along Southend seafront.

Trains used to operate along the seafront many years ago, running from the corporation loading pier to the bottom of the cliffs near the Cliffs Pavilion.

Now two mystery companies have come forward with proposals to re-introduce the service.

A council spokesman said very little could be revealed at this stage about the proposals. He added: "Two companies have expressed an interest in operating a land train in Southend on a similar route to the previous one and also on a shorter service, based on Marine Parade."

Negotiations with the un-named operators have already been approved by senior technical services officers and Lib Dem councillor Jean Sibley, chairman of the planning and transportation committee.

Land trains are likely to be electric-powered vehicles dressed up to look like a old-fashioned mini-locomotives.

Several traditional seaside towns, such as Bournemouth, operate a similar service to ferry tourists along their promenades.

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