COLCHESTER has lost the race to become the nation's next city.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced this morning that Essex county town Chelmsford, St Asaph in Wales and Perth in Sctoland had won the competition, launched as part of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Community group Destination Colchester, backed by Colchester Council, submitted a bid styling the town as Britain's First City - harking back to its status as the Roman capital of Britain.

But the bid did not have universal support - with many living in towns and villages in Colchester borough voicing opposition.

Fellow Essex town Southend also missed out on the accolade.

Does Colchester deserve to be a city? Is Colchester better off staying a town? Post your thoughts below.