VISIT Colchester has joined Click it Local - a new virtual high street service which supports independent shops.

Anyone living in Colchester can access the Click It Local website to buy items from participating local stores and have them delivered direct to their door.

Visitors can also now shop on the site and have their Colchester goodies delivered by post.

Visit Colchester’s new virtual shop front will be selling a selection of its most popular souvenirs and gifts.

For those looking to expand their Colchester knowledge, you can even snap up a book about the town and lose yourself in more than 2,000 years of history, all while having a cup of tea from a mug produced by local potters.

As well as Colchester gifts, visitors to the site can buy from a wide range of local stores and stock up on weekly food essentials, gifts and treats to last-minute basics.

Darius Laws, portfolio holder for economy, business and heritage for Colchester Council, said: “The addition of Visit Colchester to Click It Local is tremendous news.

"Not only can people now get a fix of Colchester delivered to their door but Click It Local supports and champions our local independent shops and creative talent that we have spread across the borough.

"Let’s support initiatives like this, support businesses to recover after the pandemic and help retain Colchester’s charm and heritage.”

Steve Koch, founder of Click It Local, added: “I am thrilled to welcome to the platform Visit Colchester. Our aim is to ensure local communities can continue to shop local, support independent shops and provide for the local community and beyond.”

To find out more go to clickitlocal.co.uk/colchester/visit-colchester-gift-shop/.