COLCHESTER Council has started an online game of 'I Spy' to highlight the town's best features.

Visit Colchester, the council's tourism information service, launched the campaign which calls on residents, visitors and businesses to share pictures of their favourite things in Colchester.

This could include objects, buildings, shops and anything which highlights quirky facts about the town.

To take part, people can post pictures of their finds on social media, using the hashtag #ispycolchester.

Visit Colchester will share the pictures on its social media channels.

A spokesman for the council said: "Whether it’s a family building a sandcastle on West Mersea beach, an amazing sunset over Chapel viaduct, a walk along the river at Dedham or even tasting some delicious local produce, Visit Colchester want to see and hear about all the great things people are enjoying across the borough."

The council will offer prizes for the best entries.

Carl Milton, director of Williams and Griffins, said: “The I Spy campaign is a great way to share what we all love about Colchester.

"From Heritage, to Culture and Business this gives everyone the opportunity to share why Colchester is a great place to visit.”

Sally Shaw, director at Firstsite said: “Colchester is an incredibly rich community full of hidden treasures.

"Without realising it, many of us may not have noticed the art, architecture and heritage that paves the streets we walk daily. The ‘I Spy’ campaign is a great concept to encourage us to take note of this richness and be proud of our community.”

Councillor Tim Young (Lab), portfolio holder for Culture and Regeneration, said: “I understand this game better than Pokemon Go!

"Whenever the Mayor and I are out and about in the borough, we’ll certainly be using this hashtag and I can’t wait to see what others will share too.”