Colchester has been highlighted in a nationwide drive to promote tourism through sport.

The town's Rollerworld skating centre has been cited as a good example of how tourism in Britain's oldest recorded town can embrace sport.

And Colchester MP Bob Russell , who is Liberal Democrat shadow sports minister, wants to see other similar initiatives used to boost activities for visitors.

He made the plea after attending the nationwide launch of a scheme which will see the tourism and sports industries working together for the first time to encourage overseas visitors to watch, play and experience sport in Britain.

Mr Russell said: "Summer activities over the years at Essex University, with thousands of people from overseas and this country being based there, have shown sport and tourism can often go together.

"The facilities at Leisure World, taken with other attractions in the Colchester area, also fit the bill of combining sport with tourism.

"I hope the national initiative will be taken seriously by those who separately promote sport and tourism locally, there is a need for a united effort."

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