IT’S beginning to feel a lot like Christmas as work began on decorating Colchester with stars.

The project, supported by In Colchester, has seen youngsters design and decorate 3D stars, creating a collection of 650 to go on display.

The hand-decorated artwork will be installed at key locations in the town centre including Culver Square and Colchester Library.

Colchester mayor Nick Cope joined pupils from Nayland Primary School to present some of the stars to Colchester High Street store Fenwick where they will go on display in its atrium.

Sam Good, Business Improvement District manager, said: “This exciting project will see beautiful stars adorning Colchester throughout the Christmas season, which will deliver festive cheer across the town.

“It’s a delight to be able to showcase work by talented children which everyone coming to Colchester town centre can enjoy.

“We look forward to seeing all the families seeking out their little one’s school’s stars via the star trail on our new website and celebrate the talent in our schools.”

Participating schools each received about 30 stars to decorate as they see fit and once the festive season is over, these will be returned to the schools for them to keep.

In Colchester will also be running the Star Hunt art trail throughout December, with information on the whereabouts of each school’s stars on the website at incolchester.co.uk.