CHRISTMAS shoppers in Colchester are among the most likely to buy online - while eight per cent of shops sit empty.

A poll by Royal Mail said Colchestrians were the third likeliest in the UK to get presents from the internet rather than the high street.

Chelmsford topped the survey, which was based on postal delivery stats, followed by Lincoln and Colchester in third place.

The Colchester Retail and Business Association (CORBA) has warned the trend could sound the death knell for the high street.

Community reaction and full list of internet shopping towns in Wednesday's Gazette.