ONE of Colchester's most celebrated - and fishy - annual traditions is back again with a royal nod from the Queen.

The nearly 2,000 years' old ceremony to open the Colne Oyster Fisheries brings together town mayor Gerard Oxford, Colchester Council’s chief executive Adrian Pritchard and the town serjeant alongside 40 guests, who afterwards get to feast on oysters.

Once Mr Pritchard reads the proclamation, an ancient tongue-twister, the fishery is officially open for the season.

Councillor Oxford, and his wife Beverley, will then raise the loyal toast to the Queen, who has already sent well wishes for the occasion after receiving a letter from the council.

Mr Oxford said: “The tradition of oysters and oyster fisheries in Colchester is nearly 2,000-years-old and I'm delighted to be part of this year’s long-held ceremony.

"This will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the start of this year's oyster harvest.”

The annual gin and gingerbread ceremony will take place on September 1, at Cudmore Grove County Park, East Mersea, within sight of Mersea Stone.

A coach will leave the Town Hall at 10.30am, after the Merchant Navy flag-raising ceremony on the Town Hall steps at 10am, to arrive at Cudmore Grove for 11am.

Guests will then be driven to the lunch venue after the ceremony and back to Colchester town centre.

For more information go to colchester.gov.uk/mayor.