A ROSE is a rose by any other name - but the same does not apply to the alternative oyster feast.

An alternative oyster feast is held each year by the Labour Party and National Pensioners Convention.

It sees fish and chips served up to pensioners while Colchester’s famous oysters are served up to guests at the prestigious Oyster Feast in Colchester Town Hall.

But this year, Labour stalwart Julie Young will be at the official Moot Hall function in her role as the town’s mayor.

She has also secured sponsorship to allow 100 pensioners who usually attend the alternative feast to attend the grand event at the town hall.

Fellow Labour councillor Dave Harris stepped in to hold what was described as an alternative feast at the appropriate venue, the Silver Oyster pub in Monkwick, Colchester.

More than 40 pensioners - who were either not invited to the official function because they live outside the borough or not able to go to the official Moot Hall feast - have been invited to attend.

But Tim Young, the Labour leader on Colchester Council, has insisted the event is not an official alternative feast as it has not received funding from either the Labour Party or the pensioners convention.

Mr Harris, who is paying for the fish and chip lunch, agreed to take the “alternative” title away adding: “We will call it ‘My Little Dinner’ instead.

“It will be a much smaller event than in previous years. We have sent out about 40 invites and we have 23 confirmed at the moment.

“With what Julie’s done, it will be the only year the official one is as open as it is.

“What she has done is brilliant. She walks on water for me.”

Meanwhile the official event is set to welcome a soap star for the first time.

Actress Carli Norris, who plays Belinda Peacock in EastEnders and previously appeared in Hollyoaks, has opened a clothes and cake shop in Colchester, called Chocodolly.

There will also be two specially-made products on sale at the Moot Hall feast. For men, there will be a £20 oyster-themed tie and a £5 brooch for women.

Both have been designed by Colchester Institute fashion students and all proceeds made from the sales will go to the Mayor’s charities.

Popular ukelele band D’Ukes will also perform in the mayor’s parlour after the feast.

Mayor Mrs Young said: “I am so pleased with the ties and brooches that the students have designed and I hope they will sell out. It will be a lovely and permanent memento of the event for people. “I am delighted that Carli has confirmed her attendance.”

The pair met on the set of The Play What I Wrote, which was directed at the Headgate Theatre by Anthony Roberts.

Both were invited to appear on stage as guests.

Mrs Young added: “D’Ukes are one of my favourite local bands and I know they will add to the fun and festivities.”