A strategy group has backed ambitious plans to transform Witham into the world's First hobby town.

Resident Kes Gray, of Chipping Hill, urged Witham Town Strategy Group to consider his idea to introduce "a high proportion" of hobby shops.

He said premises catering for fans of needlecraft, pets, sailing, aromatherapy, astrology and angling - to name but a few - would bring a cash boost to the town.

And the copywriter suggested applying for lottery funding to help make his vision a reality.

Chelmsford-born Mr Gray, who has lived in Witham for eight years, said: "I've tried to think of a way we can boost tourism and trade without compromising existing businesses.

"My idea of utopia in Witham is driving along the A12 and seeing a big sign for Witham - The World's First Hobby Town at the side of the road.

"If you do it on a big scale I'm sure people will not only come to the town to pursue a hobby but also to discover a new one."

Mr Gray suggested compiling a five-year business plan to work out the feasibility of the project.

The strategy group pledged to discuss the proposal with Witham Town Council.

Former Witham Mayor Robert Evans said: "It strikes me as an interesting idea which might take off very well, what with people having more and more leisure time.

"The idea of making a lottery bid also seems attractive."

And market trader Glyn Deacon added: "We always argue about how we can specialise Witham but we never come up with anything. I think it's a great idea."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.