Wine giant Lay and Wheeler hopes to put Colchester and West Mersea on the international map by creating a premier oyster-eating suite.

West Mersea's 140ft by 40ft oyster sheds in Coast Road were bought by the firm after being put on the market late last year.

Lay and Wheeler hopes to expand and refurbish the sheds to create an oyster-eating suite, which will host the firm's international customers as well as members of the public.

The firm wants to refurbish and extend the sheds so they can be used as a suite for lunches, dinners and private oyster tastings.

The proposals are now set to go through the planning process at Colchester Council, and if they are agreed look set to create four jobs as well as boosting the local economy.

Group managing director John Wheeler said: "Our vision is to create an oyster tasting suite which will promote both Colchester and West Mersea both nationally and internationally.

"The oysters here are regarded by some as the best in the world."

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