INDEPENDENT shops are not hard to come by in Colchester, with tonnes selling all sorts of quirky items - from clothing to knickknacks to décor.

But which ones are the best?

We asked Gazette readers what their favourite indie city retailers are, and here are some of the most frequently championed.

Gazette: Popular - Bill Nettelfield inside the Bill and Berts shopPopular - Bill Nettelfield inside the Bill and Berts shop (Image: Newsquest)

- Bill and Berts, in Sir Isaac's Walk

This shop sells loads of different items with a friendly customer service team.

Jellycats, quality notebooks, wallets, socks and plenty of unique items can all be found on the full shelves of this popular store.

Gazette: Interior Design - David Johnson, owner of Dear Grace, outside the shopInterior Design - David Johnson, owner of Dear Grace, outside the shop (Image: Newsquest)

- Dear Grace, in Red Lion Walk

This family business provides the residents of Colchester with an extensive collection of design-led, luxury furnishings and home accessories.

Vases, boxes, dishes, candles and unique items not seen anywhere else are all available on display.

Gazette: Sewing - Franklins, in St Botolph's StreetSewing - Franklins, in St Botolph's Street (Image: Google)

- Franklins, in St Botolph's Street

This sewing shop sells all sorts of crafting goods to local sewers, from string, needles and sewing machines.

It has since expanded to other areas such as Chelmsford, Dovercourt and Ipswich. 

Gazette: Shop - Red Lion BooksShop - Red Lion Books (Image: Newsquest)

- Red Lion Books, in the High Street

This quaint store has two full floors of books for avid readers of all ages. 

It also often holds book signings and art events.

Gazette: Bags - Sands & SonBags - Sands & Son (Image: Newsquest)

- Sands & Son, in Bank Passage

This bag shop provides high-quality leather goods and luggage to the community.

It stocks hand bags, business bags, luggage, holdalls, purses, wallets, gifts, and much more.

Gazette: Music - Steve Hurdle and Jez Dixon in the Best Days Vintage shopMusic - Steve Hurdle and Jez Dixon in the Best Days Vintage shop (Image: Newsquest)

- Best Days Vintage, in Eld Lane

This shop is full of things to buy from vintage and upcycled clothing, records, band t-shirts, posters and a whole range of quirky items.

Gigs and events also take place in the shop. 

Gazette: Family - Keith and Valerie Gunton with son, Phil GuntonFamily - Keith and Valerie Gunton with son, Phil Gunton (Image: Newsquest)

- H Gunton, in Crouch Street

This traditional family grocer and coffee roaster has been serving the people of Colchester since 1936.

Gazette: Instruments - Manns MusicInstruments - Manns Music (Image: Newsquest)

- Mann's Music, in the High Street

This music shop has been open since 1856 making it one of the oldest music shops in Great Britain. 

It sells all sorts of instruments and accessories.