COLCHESTER representatives have been handed a “Purple Flag” to show the town’s nightlife is vibrant and safe.

The award, given to Colchester and six other towns, is similar to Green Flag status for parks and is intended to help areas overcome negative public perceptions about nightlife.

Colchester was particularly praised for its SOS Bus, which helps revellers who get injured or have drunk too much on a night out, along with its street pastors.

Research carried out last year showed Colchester’s “night-time economy” was worth £39 million and kept nearly 3,000 people in full-time employment.

Philip Kolvin QC, chairman of the Purple Flag Board said: “The seven new centres that have been awarded a Purple Flag have demonstrated exemplary methods to manage the night time experience.”

Tim Young, councillor responsible for community safety and culture, said: "The night-time economy is very important to Colchester and Purple Flag is an endorsement that our town centre is an attractive, vibrant, safe and clean place to visit.

“This award is a worthy recognition of the highly effective partnership work taking place daily between Essex Police, the SOS Bus, the Royal Military Police, Pubwatch, all the town centre leisure, cultural and transport organisations, the Street Pastor team, the NHS as well as Colchester Borough Council's CCTV, street cleaning and licensing services."

Purple Flag is supported by groups including the Association of Chief Police Officers and Keep Britain Tidy.