RESIDENTS are being encouraged to submit their selfies from across the borough in a bid to boost tourism.

Visit Colchester has been running a campaign to increase visitor numbers since June last year.

But the campaign is set to be relaunched on July 24, and will be called If Our Walls Could Talk.

Colchester’s history will be highlighted and shared through the town’s walls and Visit Colchester will be running various promotions and competitions – starting with a selfie competition on its Instagram account over the summer holidays.

To take part, Visit Colchester is asking the public to get out and about and snap selfies in front of walls of note in the borough.

Residents can also submit the story behind the selfie.

The prize draw for the selfie competition includes an afternoon tea at the Tiptree tea room, at the Minories, Peter Pan tickets at the Mercury Theatre and a guided tour of Colchester’s famous walls plus some I Love Colchester bears.

Tim Young, deputy leader of the council, said: “Tourism is a key sector for economic growth in Colchester and investment into increasing visitor numbers to the borough is a key priority for the council.

“During the past year the tourism campaign has gained traction and by continuing the campaign for another year this momentum will continue to grow and bring more visitors to the town therefore contributing to the tourism economy.

“I would like to encourage as many people as possible to follow Visit Colchester’s social media feeds and get involved with the competitions and promotions so we can help share what a wonderful place Colchester is to visit.”

The campaign began with The Treasures Of Colchester and was followed by I Spy Colchester.

The council has agreed to spend a total of £70,000 to support tourism in the borough, which includes £10,000 in New Homes Bonus money.