TRADITIONS were maintained when Colchester’s Mayor officially declared the season of the Colne Oyster Fisheries was open.

John Elliott joined local dignitaries decked out in full regalia on the sailing barage Hydrogen and headed out to Pyefleet Creek to carry out the opening of the fisheries ceremony.

At around noon on Friday, chief executive Adrian Pritchard officially declared the fisher open for the season by reading out the Proclamation, an ancient tongue-twister.

Mr Elliott then dredged the first oysters of the season before sampling one and toasting the Queen with gin and gingerbread.

Guests enjoyed lunch at sea, listened to a speech by Roger Tabor, deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea, and then returned to Brightlingsea Hard.

After the ceremony, a telegram was sent to The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

It stated: "According to ancient Custom and Charter dating back to Norman times, the Mayor and Councillors of the Colchester Borough Council will formally proclaim the Opening of the Colne Oyster Fishery for the coming season and will drink to your Majesty's long life and health and request respectfully to offer to your Majesty their expressions of dutiful loyalty and devotion".

The Queen usually returns her thanks to the Mayor and councillors for their good wishes.