THEre was a gpood turnout of residents and visitors to the borough for the Bata open day held in east Tilbury at the weekend.

The day included a number of tours around the historic sites in the village and visitpors were able to review the history of the shoe-making site and its social housing at the heritage Centre.

The Bata factory was constructed in 1932 by a Czech industrialist, Tomáš Jan Baťa. Factory workers lived in the same community, read the same newspaper, socialised together, and played on the same football pitch. It is even said that West Ham trained on Bata's pitch and once lost to Bata's workers.

"Bata-ville", as it became known, was something to behold.

Stephen Metcalfe with members of the heritage team.

Among those who visited was East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe who met the heritage team working to keep memories of Bata alive and teach visitors about its unique way of life and history.

Mr Metcalfe said: "The Bata Factory remains an important part of our local history. It is a defining pillar of East Tilbury's architectural heritage and I applaud the heritage team for all the work they do to safeguard the site and the memories it has created over the decades.

"If you have never visited, I would recommend it. "

To learn more, visit: www.bataheritagecentre.org.uk.